The Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Mr. Zhongli.
This was a rare sight indeed. After all, Zhongli could be found anywhere in Liyue, yet the probability of encountering him inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was pitifully small.
Keqing had heard Futsu Mitama mention Mr. Zhongli many times before. She simply hadn't expected that, on a visit meant to find Futsu Mitama, she would instead run into this elusive consultant.
"Hm?"
The moment Zhongli stepped inside, his gaze fell upon Hu Tao, still busy stir-frying, and Keqing—who looked as though she were about to flee.
"..."
Zhongli fell silent for a brief moment. Then, without a word, he calmly closed the door.
"Wait for me!!!"
Keqing shot out of the parlor like a startled kitten, vanishing in a flash.
Hu Tao merely smiled and shook her head, thinking Keqing far too impatient.
Wasn't it just Zhongli?
She looked as if she had just seen some rare beast.
"Ah~ Come to think of it, Zhongli did go out together with Futsu Mitama that day."
At this realization, Hu Tao suddenly understood why Keqing had fled so quickly.
But…was that truly the whole truth?
Perhaps Hu Tao understood more than she let on—and simply chose not to dwell on it.
Outside, Keqing came to an abrupt stop. Zhongli was already standing there, calmly regarding her.
"Long time no see, Miss Keqing."
Zhongli inclined his head slightly. They had met before—Keqing had even once attempted to recruit him. Naturally, he had declined. And Keqing, sensing that his ideals aligned too closely with those of Lord Rex Lapis, had not pursued the matter further.
Since then, the two had rarely interacted. Even when they crossed paths, it was usually no more than a polite nod—never conversation.
Thus, Zhongli had not expected that, after wandering outside for two full days, his return to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would greet him with Hu Tao at the stove—and Keqing standing nearby in visible confusion.
Zhongli was well aware that Director Hu had recently become obsessed with cooking. She was deeply troubled by the question of how she could consistently produce such—unconventional dishes.
To uncover the cause, she had begun cooking different meals every day, meticulously recording the results—no matter how strange.
It was for this reason that Zhongli had avoided returning to the parlor, choosing instead to wander Liyue. And yet, even so, he still encountered both Hu Tao and Keqing upon his return.
"Long time no see, Mr. Zhongli."
Keqing greeted him politely. Although she was one of the Liyue Qixing, she held genuine respect for learned individuals such as Zhongli.
"Miss Keqing," Zhongli said calmly, "what brings you to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
He was genuinely curious. She did not seem like someone who would visit the parlor for business. And she certainly hadn't come to find him.
Given her recent efforts to promote the concept of Liyue governed by humans, it was unlikely she would seek the company of someone whose thinking so closely resembled that of Lord Rex Lapis. With the Rite of Descension approaching, her presence here was… unexpected.
"I came to find Futsu Mitama," Keqing replied.
Since she had already run into Zhongli, she decided to exchange a few words before leaving. After all, Hu Tao's stir-frying just now had been far too frightening. She had no desire to linger.
"Futsu Mitama?" A flicker of surprise passed through Zhongli's eyes. "Why are you looking for him?"
Through the Chat Group, Zhongli already knew—from Kuki Shinobu—that Futsu Mitama had been staying on Mt. Aocang these past few days, relentlessly challenging the Raiden Shogun within 'Raiden Style· Martial Arts.'
Zhongli himself had already reviewed the file. He knew that the Raiden Shogun manifested within that space possessed only about seventy percent of her true power—far below the full might of Beelzebub.
And yet, even so, Futsu Mitama remained unable to defeat her.
Clearly, he was sharpening himself.
"There are—some matters I need to tell him," Keqing said, glancing toward the house Futsu Mitama had purchased next door. "But since he isn't here, I'll be taking my leave."
She paused, frowning slightly.
"It's just strange. He only bought that house a few days ago. If nothing important had happened, he shouldn't be wandering about so much."
With that, Keqing prepared to bid Zhongli farewell. She had already completed her duties within Liyue Harbor these past two days and was planning to head to Mt. Aocang to visit the Adeptus.
The matters concerning the Abyss Order—the sealed Archons, ancient ruins, and the so-called "Prince"—were too significant to ignore. While she had already relayed this information, Keqing still hoped to learn more directly from the Adeptus.
They had lived from the time of the Archon War until now. If anyone knew the truth behind the Abyss Order, it would be them. She had originally planned to bring Futsu Mitama along—
But she hadn't anticipated that he would be away for two consecutive days.
"He should be on Mt. Aocang."
Seeing her intent, Zhongli calmly provided the answer. Keqing blinked, momentarily stunned.
"Mt. Aocang? He's been there these past two days?"
"That does make sense."
Only then did realization dawn on her.
Yes—of course.
Hadn't the Millelith reported earlier that two Adeptus and an Inazuman figure had dealt with the Primo Geovishap before departing together?
And with Futsu Mitama's attendant having become an Immortal Disciple, it was perfectly reasonable for him to remain on Mt. Aocang.
"I've been too absorbed in my work," Keqing admitted inwardly.
The Primo Geovishap. The Abyss Order. The Rite of Descension.
All of it had piled up at once. She had been running nonstop—so it was only natural that she had overlooked this. After all, from a normal perspective, someone who had just bought a new house wouldn't leave it unattended immediately.
"Thank you for the directions, Mr. Zhongli."
Keqing offered a sincere bow of thanks. Even though she had intended to visit Mt. Aocang regardless, Zhongli's guidance deserved acknowledgment.
With that, she departed in haste. Her destination was now clear.
Mt. Aocang.
Watching Keqing's retreating figure disappear into the distance, Zhongli gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering beyond the street as if contemplating something unseen. At that moment, a shadow slipped soundlessly around the corner and vanished.
—
Within the Northland Bank, Tartaglia was growing restless.
He had promised to arrange a meeting between Futsu Mitama and the Doctor within seven days. Yet two full days had already passed, and there was still no sign of him.
If there had been even a scrap of information, it would have been tolerable—but ever since the battle with the Primo Geovishap, Futsu Mitama seemed to have vanished without a trace.
On the first day, Tartaglia hadn't minded. On the second, curiosity had crept in. Now, on the third, unease had begun to gnaw at him.
They had searched Liyue Harbor, scoured the surrounding wilderness, and followed every possible lead—nothing. Had Futsu Mitama returned to Inazuma in secret? If that were the case, how was Tartaglia supposed to explain this to the Doctor?
"Master Harbinger."
An Electro Cicin Mage appeared silently at his side. She was the one tasked with monitoring Futsu Mitama's residence.
"Has he returned?" Tartaglia asked immediately, a trace of anticipation slipping into his voice.
The mage shook her head.
"Mr. Zhongli has returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, Keqing, also arrived earlier. From their conversation, it appears that Futsu Mitama is currently on Mt. Aocang."
Tartaglia did not smile. Instead, his expression grew more complicated.
Mt. Aocang—home of the Adeptus.
Cloud Retainer resided there.
The Adeptus of Liyue were not foes to be taken lightly. Under other circumstances, Tartaglia might have welcomed the chance to spar with one of them. But to provoke an Adeptus now would almost certainly result in being blacklisted entirely by Liyue. And more importantly—
The Adeptus who had dealt with the Primo Geovishap that night was very likely Cloud Retainer herself. When the Primo Geovishap had gone berserk, Tartaglia had once struck at her in an attempt to intervene. His aura would not have gone unnoticed.
If he showed himself now, he would almost certainly be recognized—and surrounded.
A headache began to form.
After a moment's thought, Tartaglia turned his gaze toward the Electro Cicin Mage standing before him.
"…?"
She tilted her head slightly, an uneasy feeling creeping in as she met his stare. Tartaglia looked her over carefully, then spoke with deliberate seriousness.
"You no longer need to monitor Futsu Mitama's residence."
"Go to Mt. Aocang. Deliver my message to him."
He paused briefly, then continued, "Say that the Doctor wishes to meet him. Tell him the invitation comes in my name—and that a banquet has already been prepared in Liyue Harbor."
The Electro Cicin Mage stiffened. Within the Fatui, everyone knew this much—
Aside from Harbingers, most who crossed paths with Futsu Mitama and his entourage did not end well. In Inazuma especially, encounters with him often ended in heavy casualties.
Unless accompanied by a Harbinger, ordinary operatives rarely survived. Yet, understanding the importance of the mission, the mage steadied herself and bowed deeply.
"Your subordinate will carry out the task," she said solemnly. "Even if it costs my life, I will not fail."
Tartaglia blinked. Why did that sound like a last will?
It was only delivering a message.
From his own interactions, Futsu Mitama and his companions were nothing like the brutal figures described in intelligence reports. They were reasonable—almost pleasant. The deaths attributed to them had occurred on the battlefield. And on the battlefield, mercy was simply foolishness.
Still, the Electro Cicin Mage departed for Mt. Aocang without hesitation. Her colleagues watched her go, their expressions tinged with pity. As though she were walking toward a fate she would not return from.
—
Mt. Aocang.
"Clang—!"
A sharp, resonant sound rang through the air as Musou Isshin—crackling with terrifying Electro energy—collided head-on with Calamity Queller.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Blows followed in rapid succession. In less than a minute, Futsu Mitama and Shenhe had already exchanged hundreds of strikes. Under the relentless collisions, Musou Isshin began to lose its luster, its glow dimming despite the constant infusion of Electro.
An elemental weapon, no matter how refined, could not compare to a divine spear.
Futsu Mitama knew this well. A prolonged exchange would only work against him.
His grip tightened.
Electro light flared within his eyes as he swept his free hand forward.
"Baleful Omen."
A streak of violet lightning tore through space itself. Shenhe sensed the danger instantly and withdrew several steps, her gaze fixed upon the rift carved by Electro.
"This technique is formidable," she said calmly. "Why do you never use it in actual combat?"
Even the Primo Geovishap would not have endured such an attack unscathed.
Futsu Mitama hesitated.
"Because," he said after a moment, "don't you think the visual effect is a bit too flashy?"
"…?"
Shenhe frowned faintly. As the rift sealed itself, a massive Chakra Desiderata manifested behind Futsu Mitama, its presence overwhelming. The construct seemed to stare down at Shenhe, as though alive.
"Swish—swish—swish!"
Several arcs of Electro appeared from nothingness, streaking toward her from multiple directions.
"Talisman of the Divine Spirit."
Shenhe flung a talisman while forming a hand seal. Instantly, an ice puppet emerged, intercepting the incoming lightning. The puppet blocked every strike—but its form visibly dimmed, elemental attacks clearly taxing it far more than physical blows. At the same time, the talisman Shenhe had thrown released a bone-deep chill that spread outward, making Kuki Shinobu shiver despite her distance.
The cold surged toward Futsu Mitama, seeking to freeze him in place.
"Swish."
He vanished. In the next instant, Futsu Mitama reappeared behind Shenhe. Musou Isshin, restored to full brilliance, descended in a lethal arc.
Shenhe turned, raising Calamity Queller to block—
But Musou Isshin pierced straight through the spear's shaft, its blade racing toward her neck.
The ice puppet beside her moved.
Its hand closed around Musou Isshin.
At first, the blade pierced through ice—
Then it stopped. The piercing effect vanished entirely. Musou Isshin was trapped within the puppet's grip. Shenhe's eyes flickered with brief surprise.
"Sizzle—!"
Futsu Mitama immediately forced even more Electro into the blade.
Brilliant violet light erupted, engulfing both Shenhe and the ice puppet.
"Boom!"
The explosion thundered across the mountainside. When the light faded, a figure was sent flying—Futsu Mitama, clutching his abdomen as he slid across the ground.
Shenhe stood calmly amidst the fading light, retracting her fist and pulling Calamity Queller from where it had embedded itself in the stone.
"Wow."
Kuki Shinobu stared, genuinely astonished. In that instant, Shenhe had thrown a talisman to absorb most of the blast—then countered with a decisive punch.
And Futsu Mitama had survived it.
This was the same Shenhe who had once sent a mountain-sized Primo Geovishap flying with a single blow.
Yet Futsu Mitama stood again, unbroken.
After retrieving her spear, several talismans hovered at Shenhe's side. Blue light gleamed within her eyes as the surrounding temperature plummeted.
"It seems," she said, "the warm-up is over."
Futsu Mitama rubbed his stomach and exhaled slowly.
"Yes," he replied. "It is."
Before either could move—
"That's enough." Cloud Retainer's voice echoed as she leaned out from her cave. "If you continue, Mt. Aocang will not survive intact. When you fight, do remember to restrain yourselves."
She understood the value of their sparring—but their combined strength was already excessive. If they fought in earnest, half the mountain would be destroyed, along with the ancient formations she and the other Adeptus had laid down.
"Master."
Shenhe immediately withdrew her weapon, the talismans dissipating. Futsu Mitama also dismissed Musou Isshin, his killing intent fading.
"Two guests have arrived," Cloud Retainer continued. "One is trapped within a formation. The other is midway up the mountain—the Yuheng Star."
"Shenhe, go receive them. Ask the one trapped what business she has here. As for Keqing, remind her to tread carefully."
With that, Cloud Retainer withdrew.
Shenhe nodded.
"Next time," she said to Futsu Mitama, "we find a more suitable place to finish this."
Then she leapt from the mountainside, vanishing into the mist below.
"I'm still not strong enough," Futsu Mitama sighed, sitting beside Kuki Shinobu.
"These past two days of training weren't wasted," she said lightly. "Even the Adeptus were surprised you grew stronger while sleeping."
"Hidden privileges of being the Group Leader?" she teased.
Futsu Mitama only shrugged. They sat quietly—one reading, the other studying talismans.
The calm did not last.
Soon, Shenhe returned—Keqing beside her.
And in her other hand—
An Electro Cicin Mage.
"…?"
Both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu stared in confusion. Keqing's presence was understandable.
The other, decidedly less so.
What were the Fatui doing on Mt. Aocang?
Looking for trouble?
Keqing's gaze swept across the scene before her: the steep mountain path, the unfamiliar tents erected nearby, and—most conspicuously—the Electro Cicin Mage slung over Shenhe's shoulder, unconscious and limp.
Had she been knocked out by Shenhe? Or had she lost consciousness after stumbling into one of the Adeptus's formations?
Before Keqing could sort through the possibilities, her eyes landed on the figures standing not far away.
"You really are here."
Her voice carried a trace of complexity as she looked at Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu, then at the three tents behind them.
"Are you not planning to return to Liyue Harbor to live? Or do you intend to reside here on Mt. Aocang for the long term?"
She had assumed they were here on urgent business. She had not expected them to have settled in so thoroughly.
Tents were not erected for short visits.
If she herself had not needed to visit the Adeptus recently, she might not have seen Futsu Mitama again until the Rite of Descension began.
"Hm?"
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu exchanged a glance. Neither had expected Keqing to appear here. Had something happened in Liyue Harbor?
"It's like this—" Keqing began.
Before she could continue, the Electro Cicin Mage stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Futsu Mitama.
In that instant, a flood of memories surged through her mind.
A man who had defeated two Harbingers with the aid of the Raiden Shogun. A man who had fought Tartaglia to a standstill even after the latter unleashed his Delusion.
A Harbinger-level existence.
Every Fatui who had crossed paths with him had met grim fates—dead, gravely injured, or vanished entirely, rumored to be imprisoned somewhere unknown.
Fear seized her.
She trembled violently, yet forced herself to speak.
"I—I was sent by Lord Tartaglia to find you, Master Futsu Mitama! Please—please don't kill me!"
"?"
Four pairs of eyes fixed on her at once. Bewilderment spread across their faces. Was Futsu Mitama truly that terrifying? He hardly seemed the type to slaughter messengers on sight.
Shenhe, expressionless, unceremoniously tossed the Electro Cicin Mage to the ground. The mage landed awkwardly, scrambling into a seated position.
"You came to find Futsu Mitama?" Shenhe asked calmly.
"Yes!" The mage nodded frantically, clutching her lantern as if it were a lifeline. "Lord Tartaglia ordered me to come to Mt. Aocang."
She swallowed, then hurried on.
"He asked me to deliver a message. Il Dottore has arrived in Liyue, and he wishes to meet you. Lord Tartaglia has arranged a banquet in Liyue Harbor for that purpose."
Clearly terrified that hesitation might cost her life, she revealed everything at once. She was nothing more than a courier.
"Dottore?"
Keqing's expression sharpened instantly. She stepped forward, her tone firm and authoritative.
"He was scheduled to arrive two days from now, under the pretext of attending the Rite of Descension. Why has he entered Liyue early?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"And why would he seek out a retainer of the Raiden Shogun? What exactly are the Fatui planning?"
Keqing was not an interrogator by trade—but as the Yuheng Star of the Liyue Qixing, her presence alone carried immense pressure.
"I—I don't know!" The Electro Cicin Mage shrank back, clutching her head. "Someone like me would never be told about a Harbinger's plans!"
Keqing studied her closely. The girl was hiding something—or perhaps she truly knew nothing.
Kuki Shinobu watched in silence, faint surprise flickering in her eyes.
Every Fatui she had encountered before had been disciplined, relentless, and terrifyingly resolute. Even the Electro Cicin Mages she knew fought with manic ferocity.
The two who accompanied La Signora had once held off Aila—version 2.0 Aila—for an extended period. Yet this one—
From every angle, she looked like an ordinary, frightened young girl.
"Enough."
Futsu Mitama finally spoke. He looked at the Electro Cicin Mage calmly.
"Tell Tartaglia that I will meet him tomorrow at noon, at Xinyue Kiosk. The food there is excellent."
He paused slightly.
"With the Fatui's resources, securing a private table should be trivial."
He had decided to meet Dottore. Since Inazuma, that man had been watching him from the shadows. Whatever Dottore wanted—whether it involved him, Aila, or something else—he intended to find out.
Meeting in Liyue Harbor was deliberate. Under Morax's gaze, even Dottore would restrain himself.
"Yes! Yes!" The mage nodded rapidly, relief flooding her face.
"Do you know the way down the mountain?" Futsu Mitama asked.
"Yes! I do!"
She sprang to her feet and fled down the path without looking back.
Kuki Shinobu watched her go and muttered, "So people like that exist—even among the Fatui?"
"It's normal," Futsu Mitama replied. "I've seen both kinds."
After the mage disappeared, he turned to Keqing.
"What is it you needed to tell me?"
Keqing nodded.
"I obtained intelligence from two Abyss Mages. I came to share it—with you, and with the Adeptus." She glanced toward the Adeptus abode. "Are the Adeptus occupied?"
"Yes," Shenhe answered calmly. "Junior Sister is undergoing a mental breakthrough. Master is overseeing it."
As if summoned by her words, a crane's head emerged from the abode.
"What business brings you here?"
Cloud Retainer stepped forward.
Keqing immediately bowed.
"On behalf of the Qixing, thank you for slaying the Primo Geovishap. I am here regarding the Abyss Order."
She relayed everything—the Prince, the sealed gods, the ruins.
When she finished, silence followed. Then Cloud Retainer snorted.
"The gods sealed in Liyue are nothing to fear."
Her voice turned cold.
"Except Osial beneath Guyun Stone Forest—and Azhdaha—any others could be sealed again, even without Morax."
Keqing exhaled quietly.
Then Cloud Retainer's tone sharpened.
"The remnants of the archon within the Primo Geovishap—so that was their doing."
Her gaze darkened.
"These wretches of the Abyss Order will only deepen the karma borne by the Conqueror of Demons."
She turned back to Keqing.
"We will handle this. Focus on the Rite of Descension."
Keqing smiled faintly. "Thank you, Adeptus."
Before she could speak again—
Cloud Retainer suddenly vanished into the abode. Moments later, her voice echoed out, stern and urgent.
"Futsu Mitama. Shenhe. Enter at once."
Something had changed.
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