**Chapter 59: Cloud Retainer's Support**
Columbina was the first to react, gently squeezing Jingchen's arm from behind.
Stunned by Shenhe's words, Jingchen quickly recovered and offered an awkward smile. "Senior Sister Shenhe, Columbina is my only one. As for you... well, the future is uncertain."
Hearing the word "only," Shenhe turned to glance at Ganyu.
Ganyu froze, unsure of Shenhe's meaning but sensing something ominous in her gaze.
Shenhe's logic was simple: Columbina was Jingchen's only wife, but she wasn't his only Senior Sister—Ganyu was also his Senior Sister.
Cloud Retainer hastily pulled Shenhe away, muttering, "This girl... she never ceases to worry me!"
Jingchen was no better. Apart from Ganyu, all his disciples seemed to have their own... quirks.
Cloud Retainer spoke softly, "Alright, alright, Jingchen, Columbina, let's board the Dead Starship together and return to Liyue."
Columbina pouted slightly. Cloud Retainer had only agreed to let her return to Mt. Aocang with Jingchen because she wanted to witness the birth of her grand-disciple firsthand.
But how could Senior Sister Shenhe be so blunt? So blunt she lacked even basic common sense!
Could they really live together on Mt. Aocang like this?
"Cloud Retainer, for the sake of our child, I can't afford to be too angry or impatient.
So, let Jingchen and I discuss returning to Mt. Aocang in Liyue further."
Cloud Retainer forced a calm smile, something she rarely did, all for the sake of meeting her grand-disciple.
She spoke gently and smiled at Columbina and Jingchen the entire time, completely setting aside her pride as an Immortal and a Master.
After living for over three thousand years, she had finally looked forward to the birth of her grand-disciple.
She couldn't let all her efforts be for naught now.
She hurried forward, speaking with unprecedented gentleness and care.
"Well... dear Disciple's Wife, Shenhe won't cause any trouble on Mt. Aocang.
Besides, kind and gentle Ganyu will take a short break from Moonsea Pavilion to help care for you and the grand-disciple."
Seeing Columbina remained unmoved, Cloud Retainer continued.
"Disciple's Wife, rest assured. Ganyu has worked diligently at Moonsea Pavilion for over three thousand years.
Taking a few months off to care for you and the grand-disciple is perfectly acceptable. Right, Ganyu?!"
Ganyu stood frozen, looking slightly bewildered. *What on earth is Master saying?!*
Columbina slowly opened her eyes and glanced at Ganyu.
Unlike her interactions with other girls, Columbina treated Ganyu with genuine warmth.
Ganyu had indeed shown Jingchen kindness and gratitude, but one could never be too careful. Day and night, Ganyu was difficult to guard against.
If Ganyu hadn't been Jingchen's Senior Sister, he might never have had a chance with Columbina ten years ago.
Columbina gently nudged Jingchen. She had initially agreed to let Cloud Retainer recuperate on Mt. Aocang, but she hadn't anticipated Shenhe and Ganyu's arrival. Now she was having second thoughts, but decided to let Jingchen handle the situation.
"Ah Chen, what do you think?" Columbina deftly shifted the conversation to Jingchen.
He was torn between Cloud Retainer, his master who had taught him so much, and Columbina, his only wife. There were also his two Senior Sisters who had always cared for him in Liyue.
His loyalty lay with Columbina.
"Master, Ganyu Senior Sister has her own duties. I can take care of Columbina myself. As for Shenhe Senior Sister, she's inherently kind, just sometimes a bit too blunt. As for returning to Mt. Aocang to recuperate, I think we can postpone that discussion for now."
Cloud Retainer lowered her head in resignation, her expression filled with disappointment.
"Ah, very well. My Disciple's Wife is at a critical stage. I respect your and her decision."
Cloud Retainer's reply was heavy with resignation and disappointment.
Ganyu hurriedly took Shenhe's hand and addressed Cloud Retainer.
"Master, didn't you say last time you wanted Shenhe to gain experience in Liyue Harbor?"
"I can take her to Moonsea Pavilion or the General Affairs Bureau to try out for a while. That way, she won't have to stay on Mt. Aocang during that time."
Ganyu's words instantly brightened Cloud Retainer's expression.
"Yes, yes, yes! Shenhe needs to gain experience in the world, and there's no one on Mt. Aocang besides me. Jingchen, my disciple, and Disciple's Wife, why don't you reconsider?"
Columbina hadn't expected Cloud Retainer to be so insistent.
But since Ganyu and Shenhe wouldn't be coming to Mt. Aocang...
*Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stay there with Jingchen for a while.*
Columbina whispered softly in Jingchen's ear, "Hurry and agree, Jingchen. Cloud Retainer has been through so much."
"True. After all, she's over three thousand years old. It's only natural she'd want to hold her grand-disciple."
"Then what do you say, A-Chen?"
"Mm."
Jingchen took Columbina's hand and stepped forward to bow before Cloud Retainer.
"Master, then Columbina and I will trouble you for a while."
"Good, good, good! Let's go, let's go! Hurry, hurry! Come aboard the Dead Starship with us!"
***
On the other side, Rosalyn's ship had just arrived at the Vast Cloud Sea when an arrogant, disdainful voice echoed from behind her.
"Rosalyn, long time no see. Hand over the God's Heart."
Rosalyn turned to find her colleague, Scaramouche, standing there.
"Hm? Scaramouche, what are you doing here?!"
Scaramouche smirked contemptuously. To him, all Harbingers beyond the top four seats (five individuals) were nothing more than worthless insects dragging down his own status.
"Oh?! A Fatui ship? Why shouldn't I be here?! Enough talk—hand over the Gnosis of the Raiden now."
Rosalyn, sensing Scaramouche's arrogant and peculiar demeanor, grew suspicious.
"I will deliver the God's Heart directly to Her Majesty the Tsaritsa."
Scaramouche chuckled softly.
"Then give it to me first. I'll personally deliver it to the Ice Queen."
Rosalyn hesitated.
Scaramouche pointed at Rosalyn, his face contorted with fury.
"Hand over the Gnosis of the Raiden, or face the consequences!"
"Are you betraying Her Majesty the Tsaritsa?!"
As Rosalyn pretended to negotiate with Scaramouche, she secretly gathered her Cryo Witch powers.
She knew she stood no chance against Scaramouche, the Sixth Seat, a being created by the gods themselves.
Even the Abyss had trembled beneath his feet.
"Betray Her Majesty the Tsaritsa?! Ha! Betrayal!!"
Scaramouche erupted into maniacal laughter, the word "betrayal" ringing with bitter irony in his ears.
"I never swore loyalty to her. How can I betray what I never pledged?"
*Bang!*
A terrifying surge of Cryo energy erupted toward Scaramouche, engulfing the surroundings in a blinding blizzard.
Just as Rosalyn prepared to flee, a hand shot through the icy mist and dragged her back.
Forced into her Crimson Witch form, Rosalyn braced herself for the inevitable clash.
....
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(End of Chapter)