Aether's search for the adepti went relatively smoothly. Though somewhat troublesome, he eventually managed to meet each adeptus, explaining the situation clearly.
Each adeptus reacted differently, but all were profoundly shocked and angry upon hearing of Rex Lapis's demise.
They promised to investigate thoroughly and agreed to gather and journey together to Liyue Harbor.
With his task complete, Aether immediately returned to Liyue Harbor via the teleport waypoint, accompanied by Paimon.
He didn't immediately seek Childe for his commission reward, primarily because Childe hadn't said where to find him afterward. So, Aether decided to visit Jiang Bai at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor instead.
He wondered if anything significant had happened in Liyue during his absence.
On their second visit, Aether and Paimon felt noticeably more at ease in the funeral parlor—the incense sticks, paper offerings, and coffins scattered about no longer seemed quite so frightening.
At that moment, Hu Tao and Jiang Bai were in Zhongli's courtyard, discussing preparations for the Sending-off Ceremony.
"...You know, if I hadn't reminded Ningguang a few days ago, she might've completely forgotten about holding the Sending-off Ceremony for Rex Lapis," Hu Tao said, head resting on her hand, feet swinging gently beneath the table. "It's understandable for Ningguang, but I didn't expect even Ganyu to forget..."
Ganyu was a half-qilin adeptus who had served as secretary of Yuehai Pavilion since Liyue's founding. She had witnessed every Sending-off Ceremony held thus far, yet somehow even she had overlooked preparations this time.
"Maybe Miss Ganyu hasn't been herself since Rex Lapis passed away," Jiang Bai reasoned gently.
It wasn't entirely surprising—even Hu Tao had been feeling down recently, let alone someone who had served the Geo Archon faithfully for thousands of years like Ganyu.
A Wangsheng attendant led Aether and Paimon to the entrance of Zhongli's courtyard before quietly withdrawing. Hearing voices from inside, Aether stepped forward.
"You guys mentioned a 'Sending-off Ceremony' just now. What's that?" Paimon floated forward curiously.
Seeing their arrival, Zhongli calmly brought out two fresh cups, pouring tea for them.
"The Sending-off Ceremony is a grand memorial held when an adeptus passes away—a tradition unique to Liyue. Although Rex Lapis is considered the progenitor of adepti, he himself was one of them, and thus, his passing necessitates a Sending-off Ceremony..."
"We've informed the adepti, and they promised to arrive soon. When they come, we'll finally learn what caused Rex Lapis's death." Paimon carefully lifted her cup with both tiny hands, taking a sip. The tea eased her fatigue considerably after days of travel.
"You must be exhausted. Here, have some Sweet Flower cookies." Jiang Bai offered them two cookies shaped like Sweet Flowers.
He'd made them himself—not particularly fancy, just extremely sweet. Fragrant as cookies, sweet as Sweet Flowers, but most people couldn't handle such intense sweetness.
Unsuspecting, Paimon eagerly bit into hers. Moments later, her expression twisted dramatically. She barely managed not to spit it out.
"This is way too sweet!"
She could practically feel her teeth aching!
Seeing Paimon's reaction, Aether discreetly placed his untouched cookie back onto the table, choosing tea instead.
"It tastes perfect to me," Jiang Bai happily munched his cookie, completely satisfied.
"This guy's sense of sweetness isn't like normal people's," Hu Tao laughed gleefully, recalling how she'd almost suffered a toothache herself when she first tried Jiang Bai's creations.
"How did your journey into the mountains go?" Zhongli asked, shifting his gaze toward the silent Aether.
"Liyue is huge, the mountains are so tall—and climbing them was exhausting..." Aether admitted honestly, visibly weary.
For the past few days, he'd done nothing but climb mountains, descend, and then climb more mountains again.
The scenery was breathtaking, but so was the fatigue.
Fortunately, he'd activated the teleport waypoints along the way, so returning in the future would be much easier.
Zhongli chuckled softly, "Each region has its own landscapes, and difficult climbs aren't limited to Liyue's mountains alone."
"What was it like seeing adepti?" Hu Tao asked curiously.
Aether thought briefly before responding, "Just like big animals, nothing particularly special."
"Oho, that's disrespectful to adepti! I'll definitely report you next time we meet them," Jiang Bai teased playfully, as if he'd found juicy blackmail material.
"You sneaky flyer-boy!" Paimon stomped her little feet in midair.
Aether ignored the joke. "Did anything happen in Liyue while we were away?"
They'd been gone for some time—it was unlikely nothing had occurred.
Hu Tao shook her head. "Nothing major. The Qixing are suppressing news of Rex Lapis's death. Although word leaked a bit, very few people actually know."
Jiang Bai clicked his tongue thoughtfully. "The calmer things appear, the fiercer the storm that follows. Liyue feels like it's waiting for a catalyst to trigger chaos."
He glanced meaningfully at Zhongli after speaking—everyone understood his implication clearly.
When Liyue's storm would break depended entirely on the man quietly sipping tea beside them.
Aether and Paimon followed Jiang Bai's gaze. Zhongli showed no reaction, simply continuing to drink his tea calmly.
"Anyway, let's get back on track!" Hu Tao swiftly redirected the conversation before it drifted further off course.
She walked behind Zhongli, patting him decisively on the shoulder. "Since our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been entrusted with the Sending-off Ceremony for Rex Lapis, I leave this extremely important task entirely in your capable hands, dear Consultant. Give him the grandest, liveliest send-off imaginable!"
"I shall not disappoint you, Director," Zhongli replied solemnly.
Pleased, Hu Tao turned to Jiang Bai and placed a hand on his shoulder next. "And during this period, Jiang Bai will be your assistant—no need to hold back! Put him to good use!"
"We'll help too!" Paimon eagerly chimed in. "We originally came to Liyue to meet the Geo Archon. As caring travelers, we can't ignore a matter this important!"
Paimon's bold declaration decided things instantly. Aether looked at her indulgently and didn't object.
Participating in the Sending-off Ceremony was exactly what he intended. They had to remain vigilant against the Fatui to ensure they didn't seize the Geo Archon's Gnosis from his remains.
Aether wasn't sure what the Fatui planned to do with the Gnoses, but if the Fatui were their enemies, thwarting them was surely the right choice.
"Now that's my good brother!" Jiang Bai excitedly threw an arm around Aether's shoulders, clearly pleased to have someone else to share the workload.
"But first, I need to find Childe and get my payment for the commission. It might delay my help a bit," Aether added.
"No problem—the ceremony can't start immediately anyway. Do you know where he is? Want me to show you?" Jiang Bai offered warmly.
"In that case, thank you."