The Jade Chamber was a massive structure floating above Liyue. It served as the Tianquan's intelligence headquarters and private residence.
From here, one could oversee all major affairs in Liyue, from commerce to governance. It was a place every merchant and official dreamed of setting foot in.
The building alone was a testament to the Tianquan's wealth.
...
Inside the Jade Chamber
At a Round Table
Bonanus and Ningguang sat across from each other, quietly sipping fine tea.
The pressure radiating from the two of them was so intense that the nearby staff dared not even breathe. One was their boss, the other was an adeptus who guarded Liyue.
Even though they had seen their share of big moments, this scene still made them nervous.
Ningguang took a sip of tea and broke the silence first. She rubbed her slightly aching forehead and spoke slowly.
"Sometimes I wonder: if Rex Lapis were to pass away, what would become of the people of Liyue?"
"Peaceful times aren't truly peaceful. Even a calm lake can be disturbed by ripples."
"I've been preparing for this eventuality for a long time. And now, with Rex Lapis's assassination, the unthinkable has happened right before our eyes."
"I don't believe I've done anything wrong. I don't believe I'm a traitor. This is an opportunity for the people of Liyue."
...
For the next half hour, Bonanus listened quietly as Ningguang laid out her plans, the nation's future, and more.
To be honest, she understood the first part, but as Ningguang went on, the words started to blur together.
Ningguang spoke of national reforms, economic flow, future directions—complicated stuff. For someone who had never been good at studying, it was like being asked to solve advanced calculus.
Even though she didn't understand it all, Bonanus could sense that Ningguang was holding back. But she didn't care. She didn't want to hear any more. Her brain was already full.
So when Ningguang paused to take a sip of tea, Bonanus clapped her big paws together and said with praise,
"As expected of the wisest of the Qixing. Everything you've said is invaluable for Liyue's development and stability."
"I have to admit, you're an excellent leader."
Hearing that, Ningguang nodded slightly. It seemed Lady Bonanus was open to new ideas, unlike the other old fossils.
Seeing Ningguang relax a little, Bonanus smiled and continued.
"I've always supported Liyue's transition to the age of humanity. But there are so many variables. The core of it all is the quality of the nation's future leaders."
"And from what I see now, it's looking good. I can guarantee that the four Yakshas are on your side. As for the other three, you'll have to convince them yourself."
"We've spent years among mortals, so we're more adaptable. But those three are a different story." Bonanus shrugged helplessly.
"I'm glad to hear that. As for the other three, I've already prepared countermeasures."
Ningguang nodded. The tension between them eased, much to the relief of the staff who had been keeping their distance.
Having five adepti on her side was a huge advantage for Ningguang, especially in the upcoming negotiations between the Qixing and the adepti.
They even started chatting casually. Ningguang's informants were everywhere, so she knew a lot, giving them plenty to talk about.
Just then, four more adepti arrived at the Jade Chamber's entrance.
Bosacius, Menogias, Indarias, and Xiao had come as soon as they received the news.
Guided by a guard, they joined Bonanus and Ningguang at the round table.
"About time! Come, sit down." Bonanus waved them over, signaling them to find any empty seat and wait.
The four of them didn't hesitate. They sat down, crossed their arms, and remained silent. Their expressions were calm, as if this wasn't a big deal.
After hearing about Rex Lapis's assassination, they had left Wangshu Inn and headed straight to Liyue Harbor to look for him.
Rex Lapis was a war god. They had fought alongside him for years and knew his power well.
Even if time had weakened him, who in this land could harm the unyielding rock?
With that thought, they found Rex Lapis at Heyu Teahouse, listening to a storyteller.
They didn't disturb him. Putting the pieces together, they understood the general situation. It was probably part of his plan. At least he was alive. That was what mattered.
That was why they looked so unconcerned.
"Alatus, why are you all so expressionless? This is a serious matter!"
Bonanus scooted her chair closer to Xiao and whispered in his ear.
Hearing that, Xiao turned to her and replied in the same hushed tone.
"It is serious. But we found Rex Lapis at Heyu Teahouse earlier. We have a pretty good idea of what's going on."
"Ah, no wonder you all look so relaxed." Bonanus nodded. That explained everything.
After spreading the news of his "death," Rex Lapis had simply moved to another spot to take it easy, leaving the Qixing to handle the mess.
He was already enjoying his retirement. Bonanus couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
"Since we know, there's nothing to worry about. Rex Lapis must have his reasons."
Xiao nodded, then reached out and pinched Bonanus's cheek.
His sister was just so cute. He couldn't resist.
"I'm your sister. Only I get to pinch you." Bonanus rubbed her sore cheek and pinched him back.
Xiao stayed still, letting her do as she pleased, his expression almost content.
Seeing their antics, the other Yakshas laughed, lightening the mood.
But the levity didn't last long.
Soon, some of the Qixing members and the three adepti from Jueyun Karst arrived.
Their presence was like a lit fuse. The adepti and Ningguang's group erupted into heated arguments, neither side backing down.
The most vocal was Mountain Shaper. How could he tolerate Rex Lapis being assassinated during a mortal ceremony?
Next was Cloud Retainer, who kept questioning the Qixing's competence.
As for Moon Carver, he was the most even-tempered of the three, though he still doubted whether mortals could truly govern Liyue.
The Qixing responded without backing down. If they were to usher in the age of humanity, they had to stand firm.
When this war of words would end depended on how Lumine and Paimon's story progressed.