Jueyun Karst
At the Narrow Mountain Pass
Zhongli stood with his arms crossed, his mind turning over various thoughts. He would sigh softly from time to time, as if this matter was particularly difficult for him.
He shook his head, knowing that regardless, he would have to discuss it first before deciding anything.
Rubbing his chin, this was the first time in a long while that Zhongli felt troubled and impatient about something. Yet, his expressionless face remained unchanged.
As time passed, the power that had transported the four Yakshas to another space began to fluctuate again.
Zhongli opened his half-closed eyes and looked at the familiar faces that had returned.
None of the five were seriously injured. Their clothes were a bit torn and they were slightly dirty, but nothing more.
"It seems your mission was a success." Zhongli nodded slightly. No major incidents this time. Good.
"It was everyone's effort." Bonanus rubbed her shoulder happily.
"Haha! Once Indarias wakes up, we should definitely have a proper gathering." Bosacius laughed heartily.
"Then let me make this clear: we can gather, but you're not allowed to make Indarias drink."
Menogias reminded him. Indarias had just returned and still needed rest and observation. Alcohol was best avoided.
"I agree." Xiao added flatly. All Bosacius ever did was eat and drink. If he were an ordinary person, his lifespan would already be shortening.
"Tch! That's no fun. A drink or two won't hurt." Bosacius scratched the back of his head with his rear arms, looking at the other two.
"No means no." Bonanus said in a tone that brooked no argument. Menogias and Xiao nodded in agreement.
"Fine." Bosacius shrugged. They would have a chance to drink together eventually. No rush.
Seeing Xiao reunited with his family, Zhongli was pleased. Still, he had other matters to discuss with Bonanus.
"Bosacius, Menogias, Xiao. The three of you take Indarias back to Liyue and let her rest. Ask Ganyu to examine her as well, just in case." Zhongli instructed.
After giving his orders, he turned his gaze to Bonanus.
"As for you, I have something to discuss."
"Yes, sir!" The three responded in unison. They glanced at Bonanus, said nothing, and left.
Once they were gone, Bonanus asked curiously, "Rex Lapis, is there something you need?"
"It's nothing. The scenery of Jueyun Karst is quite beautiful. Let's walk and talk." Zhongli made a "please" gesture and began walking with his long strides.
Bonanus followed. This seemed like a request for help—but what could it be?
Walking with Zhongli, she admired the beautiful scenery. No matter how many times she saw it, she never grew tired of it. Mountains, grass, and trees never failed to please.
Most people loved nature; they just never had the time or were too tired to appreciate it.
"This place has a way of calming the mind. I once sat on Mount Aocang, listening to two old friends discuss the art of mechanisms. We drank wine, shared insights, and exchanged knowledge."
Zhongli, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. His gaze was fixed on the distant horizon, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
After saying that, he fell silent again, lost in memory.
"Was it Lady Guizhong?" Bonanus thought for a moment, then responded.
Zhongli gave a slight nod. After a moment of hesitation, he asked directly, "Can your power... bring her back?"
"Yes." Bonanus answered quickly. She had thought it was something serious. Turns out Rex Lapis just missed his wife.
She had already planned to make Guizhong her next target. Zhongli bringing it up was perfect timing.
"Don't worry, Rex Lapis. No matter how difficult, we will bring Lady Guizhong back." Bonanus said with absolute certainty and seriousness.
"Good. I'm glad to hear that."
Zhongli's expression seemed to lighten, though his face remained unchanged.
That reminded him of how he had led his forces too late, leaving only Guizhong's divine remains at Guili Plains.
He had watched in silence. Only he knew that his rock-hard heart had ached.
Rock wasn't unbreakable. It just knew how to hide its cracks.
"Though, we might need you to join us personally this time, Rex Lapis. Lady Guizhong's situation isn't something we Yakshas can handle easily." Bonanus thought for a moment.
She vaguely remembered that Guizhong had been ambushed by a group of cowardly gods. Completely dishonorable—ganging up on one woman.
And Zhongli must have regretted arriving too late. If he fought personally, even his current self could crush them.
"Naturally." Zhongli nodded.
"Oh, and regarding Indarias's return, I've already sent Ganyu to handle the explanation to the people of Liyue. You don't need to worry about that."
"If there's nothing else, you may return." Zhongli closed his eyes calmly.
Bonanus bowed slightly and vanished in an instant.
Watching her leave, Zhongli continued walking toward Guili Plains. This 6,000-year-old man wanted to take another stroll.
...
Liyue Harbor
The moment she returned, Bonanus went straight to find her siblings.
Sensing all their presences at Yanfei's house, she headed there without hesitation.
Back home, she pushed the door open and saw a group gathered around the sofa. Besides Xiao and the others, Ganyu and Granny Ping were there too.
Lying on the sofa was Indarias.
Ganyu was carefully examining her, while Granny Ping wore a mix of joy and confusion.
She still couldn't believe that those she thought were dead kept returning to Liyue one by one.
It was incredible. Like a dream.
At this rate, could Guizhong also...?
She shook her head and pushed that thought aside. Impossible. She had seen Guizhong's divine remains with her own eyes.
Either way, it was good to have them back. Granny Ping returned to her usual kind expression and quietly waited for Ganyu's diagnosis.
The moment Bonanus entered, Xiao noticed her. He waved her over to wait with him.
Once she stood beside him, Bonanus shot him a questioning look.
Xiao shook his head silently. The results weren't out yet.
Bonanus responded with a look that said, "Got it." She would wait quietly. Ganyu's skills were reliable—it would be over soon.
She wondered when Indarias would wake up. It could take a day or two, or just half a day.
Bonanus was already looking forward to the surprise on Indarias's face when she woke up. Just thinking about it made her excited.