Ignoring Keqing's taunts, Ningguang left Yuehai Pavilion.
Outside, the sunset cast a beautiful glow over Yujing Terrace, but the regret was that it was already dusk.
Gazing at the terrace bathed in golden light, Ningguang made up her mind.
Yae Miko's appearance in Liyue Harbor meant changes were happening in Inazuma's policies, though the two nations were far apart and she hadn't received any official news yet.
If that was the case, she shouldn't hold back anymore—otherwise, future rivals would only increase.
Leaving aside others, just that seductive fox, Yae Miko, wasn't someone Keqing could compete with.
Now that she'd found someone she could rely on, she shouldn't let go so easily—it'd be a pity.
She should consider going on the offensive.
While Raiden Ei was busy handling the isolation and Vision Hunt Decree, Ningguang was focused on how to find herself a man.
…
Heyu Teahouse
Ken had lived in Liyue Harbor for a while, but this was his first visit to this teahouse. As the top teahouse, its decor and food were exquisite, and with Yun Jin performing, it attracted all the cultured guests.
As "The Divine Damsel of Devastation" was about to begin, Yun Jin—already in costume—stood by the backstage window, her beautiful eyes searching the crowd, as if looking for someone.
Though "Divine Damsel" wasn't as popular as the "The Long Way Home" Ken had written, it was a piece Yun Jin had crafted with care for months.
To ensure authenticity, she'd traveled far and wide, seeking answers about the legendary Divine Damsel. It was only after meeting Lumine and Shenhe that she found the inspiration she needed.
Thus, the opera was finally completed.
As for the much-anticipated "The Long Way Home," she was still pondering it, not daring to write it hastily for fear of tarnishing Ken's divine reputation.
"Yun Jin, what are you looking for?" asked one of the old actors of Yun Han Troupe.
Yun Jin shook her head. "Nothing."
But disappointment flashed in her eyes.
She'd handed the invitation to Director Hu Tao, asking her to pass it to Ken. She'd hoped he would come today, but as the crowds gathered, she couldn't spot the figure she'd been hoping for.
Had Ken not returned to Liyue Harbor these past days?
Yun Jin's thoughts were a mess.
Ever since her long conversation with Ken about opera, she'd been attracted to his scholarly aura—as if he was a god who understood all things, gently discussing the heritage of opera with her.
Such presence could easily move any young girl's heart.
Of course, her feelings hadn't yet blossomed into love, but the seeds of affection had already sprouted.
So, for her new opera's premiere, she had dearly hoped Ken would be in the audience—perhaps even offering her some advice afterward.
Sadly, after scanning the crowd again, she still didn't see him.
She did, however, spot Xiangling, Xinyan, and Feiyun Commerce Guild's Xingqiu and Chongyun.
"Time to go on stage," said the old actor.
Yun Jin composed herself and ascended the stage. She had practiced this opera dozens of times; it was second nature.
As she stepped onto the stage, the bustling audience fell silent. As she stood with poise on the high platform, she finally spotted a familiar figure in a second-floor private room.
"He really came… and so did Mr. Zhongli and Miss Ganyu…"
Yun Jin's earlier disappointment melted away. So he was on the second floor.
She smiled at Ken from across the room, pointedly ignoring the unfamiliar pink-haired lady beside him.
With the sound of instruments rising, Yun Jin quickly entered her role. Her clear, sorrowful opera voice, full of hidden sadness, floated over the accompaniment, captivating the silent audience.
…
"Miss Yun's skills are as breathtaking as ever," Zhongli praised, sipping his emerald green tea.
Seeing the disguised Geo Archon, Yae Miko felt a bit uneasy. She'd never met the legendary war god before, and now here he was, sitting with Ken.
Ganyu was also a little tense. Though the Geo Archon had declared himself retired, she and the Qixing all knew he was still alive as Zhongli.
With that in mind, she couldn't fully relax.
"Relax. He's just Wangsheng's guest consultant now. If you're unhappy, just complain to Hu Tao," Ken joked, noticing Ganyu's discomfort.
Zhongli glanced at Ken. "Most of my time is spent on Blue Star these days. I've neglected many of the parlor's affairs. The Director is already displeased with me, so don't add fuel to the fire."
At this, Ganyu and Yae Miko exchanged smiles.
Especially Yae Miko—the sly fox was always sharp-witted. She didn't tease Zhongli out of respect, but the idea of the dignified Geo Archon presiding over a funeral was just too amusing.
She'd definitely have to work with Hu Tao!
Ganyu, gentle as ever, was just happy to be at the opera with Ken. For someone as reserved as her, it was a rare joy.
But with Zhongli present, she could only bury her feelings.
It was like going on a date with your crush and bumping into her father halfway—awkward and embarrassing.
Luckily, Zhongli was focused on the opera, musing, "I've searched many texts lately but haven't found the Book of Life you seek. It seems it's not in Liyue."
"What is the Book of Life?" Yae Miko asked. Ken had inquired about it earlier as well.
Zhongli's eyes remained on Yun Jin, but his attention was on Ken—he wanted to know too.
"Simply put… it has the power to bring someone back to life," Ken explained, not hiding the matter. Everyone present was trustworthy and would help him if they could.
In fact, both Yae Miko and Zhongli had old friends they couldn't let go of.
"Re…revive?!" The usually flirtatious shrine maiden trembled, her eyes wide with shock and longing, seeking Ken's confirmation.
Even Zhongli's hand shook, spilling some emerald tea from his cup. His golden eyes were filled with astonishment.
"That's right. It's a secret art I've learned, but it requires the Book of Life. Using an item belonging to the deceased as a medium and channeling great power, one can bring them back to the world."
Ken spun a half-truth, not revealing all his secrets. The magical grimoire he possessed was too special—he didn't want to expose it just yet.
If they could really find the Book of Life, he wouldn't mind performing the ritual to revive their lost friends.
"I didn't think such an art existed… but wouldn't this…" Zhongli looked upward, his meaning clear.
The world had its own laws. Forcibly reviving the dead would break these laws and might draw the attention of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, bringing disaster.
Though he longed to revive old friends, Zhongli was not as obsessed as Raiden Ei.
If it would put Ken in danger, he'd rather not attempt it.
Those who have passed are gone; it's not right to let the living bear the risks for the dead.
"We could give it a try. Worst case, we just lay low on Blue Star for a while," Ken replied. He was more interested in testing the method from his grimoire—if it worked, he could safely study its other secrets.
As for the Sustainer… she might the enforcer over Teyvat, but on Blue Star, she'd have to behave.
Because of the system, when inviting people to Blue Star, he held absolute authority. Even the Sustainer could be expelled instantly if she tried anything.
"In that case, it's worth a try. I'll notify the other adepti to search for the book," Zhongli agreed. Even gods have regrets—if there was a chance to make things right, he'd seize it.
"I'll also do my best to inquire about the Book of Life back in Inazuma," Yae Miko exhaled.
Whether it was Lady Kitsune Saiguu or Raiden Makoto, they were both knots in her and Ei's hearts.
She'd simply kept the pain inside, but it didn't mean she didn't long for the past.
Now, by meeting Ken, she'd gotten such shocking news.
If the revival was possible and harmless, Kitsune Saiguu and Makoto could return to the world.
If Ei found out, she'd probably be overjoyed.
She might even offer herself to Ken in gratitude—and probably wouldn't refuse.
"I'll help too," Ganyu added. She didn't yearn for it as much as the others, but if the Book of Life truly held such power, she'd help Ken find it.
"Alright, let's enjoy the opera," Ken smiled, lightening the mood.
The Book of Life hadn't been found yet; there was no point in getting sentimental. Better to enjoy the moment.
"Okay!" Yae Miko immediately switched back to her usual flirtatious self, acting as if the previous conversation had been nothing.
But deep inside, this news left a deep impression—she had to find the Book of Life.
…
The performance ended quickly, met with thunderous applause.
"Miss Yun's singing truly is wonderful," Ganyu remarked. Having lived in Liyue for millennia, she'd witnessed its rich cultural heritage—opera being a major part.
"I'm more interested in the girl herself," Yae Miko smirked. "I counted—during her performance, she looked this way at least five times, every time with affection in her eyes."
It was easy for Yae Miko to spot Yun Jin's feelings. Her lips curled mischievously as she glanced at the handsome man beside her.
Coming to Liyue, she realized something: Ken's natural charm was overwhelming, capable of attracting any woman. Add his deep strength and skill at flirting, and beauties naturally flocked to him.
Even two of the Liyue Qixing had feelings for him.
If he really revived Kitsune Saiguu and Makoto… her wooden friend Ei would probably be won over quickly.
After all, Ei was a martial arts addict and clueless in love—easy to fool. If Ken wished, he could easily win her heart after reviving Makoto.
The thought of the lofty Raiden Shogun acting like an ordinary girl for Ken's sake… how amusing!
Yae Miko's imagination ran wild, her smile widening.
There would be no shortage of drama in the days to come!
"Stop talking nonsense. Yun Jin and I are just friends," Ken interrupted.
He and Yun Jin weren't even close. Her little crush was probably just due to his charisma buff from the system.
Even the sly fox next to him probably felt some attraction—otherwise, she wouldn't be so at ease chatting and watching opera with him.
It was just that, with her age and experience, Yae Miko had more self-control than a young girl.