Months had passed since that night. During this time, the five Yakshas and the Millelith had been either guarding the borders or enjoying themselves around Liyue.
Bonanus, like everyone else, had immersed herself in the joy of it all.
She was happy. This was a happiness that her previous world could never provide.
She could laugh sincerely from the heart. She didn't have to hide behind a virtual world, running from a harsh reality.
But she never forgot what she had to do.
Over these months, they had attended countless festivals, gatherings, and parties thrown by friends.
Though Lantern Rite was still a ways off, no one minded. What was meant to come would come.
And what about her friends from other nations? She kept in touch through letters, like Noelle.
Bonanus often exchanged letters with that hardworking girl. Even though each letter took a long time to arrive, they both enjoyed it.
And now, Bonanus had finally reached the start of the original storyline. The legendary Rex Lapis assassination, and the Traveler's arrival!
The people of Liyue were thrilled to witness their nation's leader in person.
Word had it that wishes made during Rex Lapis's descent were especially potent.
So many people, dreaming of striking it rich, eagerly attended the grand Rite of Descension.
As for whether they would actually get rich? Well, people needed their fantasies.
The citizens were excited, but the Millelith and Liyue's higher-ups were swamped.
It was always like this during festivals. Troublemakers always tried something.
It wasn't a big deal. Annoying, sure, but nothing that could cause major waves.
...
On the Rooftop of Wangshu Inn
Bonanus and the other four Yakshas sat here, playing Genius Invokation TCG. This wasn't slacking off—Rex Lapis had given them permission.
Ever since Menogias had set up formations across their territories, they could occasionally attend to personal matters.
With their strength, the moment a formation was triggered, they would appear instantly and deal with any threats.
Menogias had placed the formations cleverly, in hard-to-spot, tricky positions.
He had also added duplicate talismans of all five of them into the formations. It was basically an automated defense system! How could they not slack off?
For now, enjoying this well-deserved break was what mattered.
"I'm telling you! If you can beat me with the cards in your hand right now, I'll eat Wangshu Inn on the spot!" Bosacius looked at his hand, smirking confidently at Xiao.
He was feeling bold because he had recently acquired some new Genius Invokation cards from somewhere.
That was probably where his confidence came from.
But as the saying goes: the more arrogant you are, the harder you fall. The bigger the show-off, the bigger the crash.
"Heh... it's my turn now." Xiao shook his head helplessly. Why does this idiot always set himself up for failure?
As it happened, the cards in his hand right now could wipe out Bosacius's entire deck. Where would Bosacius start eating Wangshun Inn?
Without hesitation, Xiao played his final cards.
And then... there was nothing left. His combo chain reaction had taken Bosacius down completely.
Seeing that, Bosacius went silent. He stared at his cards in disbelief, as if refusing to accept reality.
"Haha! That's hilarious!" Indarias slapped her thigh, laughing so hard she nearly cramped up.
"Pfft, Big Brother Bosacius, Wangshu Inn is huge." Bonanus couldn't hold back her laughter either. Why did her brother's words sound so familiar?
"Actually, Bosacius's deck could have beaten Alatus's. But one mistake cost him the game." Menogias rubbed his chin, analyzing seriously.
"Just give me more time! I'll figure this out!" Bosacius didn't know what to say. Had he lost his gaming talent?
"Come on, it's been days!" Indarias shook her head.
"Hey, Indarias, give him a break." Bonanus patted her back.
If they kept going, Bosacius would start questioning his life choices.
"I suggest you read the rulebook again." Xiao crossed his arms. Playing Genius Invokation with Bosacius felt like an adult playing against a kindergartner.
Zero challenge.
"Tch, don't be so cocky, kid." Bosacius didn't know what to say. He couldn't argue, and he couldn't win at cards either.
"We're not exactly kids anymore." Xiao shrugged. Everyone here was over a thousand years old.
"That's not true. Indarias and I are still young." Bonanus linked arms with Indarias with a grin.
"That's right!" Indarias nodded in agreement.
The other three just pursed their lips at the two thousand-year-old women claiming to be young. Sure, whatever you say.
They knew women cared about their age, so they didn't push it.
"Oh, I heard two friends from Mondstadt just arrived. I'm going to go check it out. Might be gone for a bit." Bonanus suddenly said.
Lumine and Paimon should be here by now. If she went looking, she might find them.
"Go ahead. Stay safe." Bosacius nodded.
"A guy?" Xiao immediately perked up, his expression turning wary.
"No, a beautiful girl and a cute little one." Bonanus chuckled, nodded to the group, and left.
Her departure didn't change much. The other four went back to their card game and conversation.
...
Liyue Harbor
"Traveler, this place is so lively!"
Among the crowd, two obvious foreigners wove through the streets. They were Lumine and Paimon.
Lumine had come to Liyue to seek out its god. The Rite of Descension was the perfect opportunity.
"So many people." Since Lumine wasn't very tall, her view was often blocked by the taller passersby.
"Don't worry! I'll fly up and find us a path!" Paimon patted her chest, then flew up to scout a route.
And in doing so, she spotted a familiar face. That person was none other than Bonanus, who had been waiting for them.
Bonanus was buying a candied hawthorn skewer from a stall. The fruits looked plump and glossy—sweet for sure!
"Traveler! I see someone familiar!" Paimon said excitedly.
"Who?" Lumine asked, confused.
"It's Miss Fashui from Mondstadt! Let's go say hi!" Paimon pointed toward Bonanus, then settled onto Lumine's head.
"Uh... we're not exactly close with her." Lumine frowned. They had only exchanged a few words and met a handful of times.
Besides, she had always felt that this person carried secrets. She seemed to know a lot.
"Come on! We're in a strange place with no connections. Getting help from someone we know is way better than stumbling around blind!" Paimon grinned.
"Uh... fine, let's ask." Lumine nodded slightly and made her way toward Bonanus.