"I was just thinking about something, so I slowed down a bit."
After speeding up to catch her, Kiana said as much.
Shenhe didn't say anything in response, however. Seeing that Kiana had caught up, she simply turned and continued walking up the mountain.
So taciturn...
Watching the other girl's back recede into the distance, Kiana couldn't help but think this.
But thoughts were just thoughts; she quickly followed.
Anyway, my target this time is that woman. I'm not here to chat, so it doesn't matter.
As Kiana silently followed behind, Shenhe, walking ahead, felt that something was amiss.
For some reason, she had a feeling that the girl behind her was no ordinary person.
She didn't react at all just now...
Recalling the scene from a moment ago and comparing it to the astonished looks others gave her when she did such things, Shenhe couldn't help but feel puzzled.
Logically, if that girl were an ordinary person, she would have been very surprised to see that scene, but she wasn't.
Is she a girl like me?
After mulling it over, Shenhe came to this conclusion.
She knew that if their roles had been reversed, she would have reacted in much the same way.
However...
She has the Talisman of All-Permitting...
Maybe it's related to that...
As her thoughts drifted, Shenhe's mind returned to the Talisman of All-Permitting.
In any case, the girl did possess the Talisman of All-Permitting, so it was only natural that she would know things ordinary people couldn't possibly know.
After that, Shenhe didn't dwell on it further and just continued walking silently up the mountain.
The summit of Mt. Aocang.
"The Adeptus's abode is just ahead. You should go by yourself. But if you wish to see the Adeptus, you must first offer some food."
As they were about to reach the summit, Shenhe stopped and turned to Kiana behind her, saying this.
"Food? This Adeptus is quite interesting."
Seemingly a little surprised, Kiana walked to Shenhe's side and looked ahead.
"Mm." Gazing forward as well, Shenhe hummed softly before adding, "I'll wait for you here."
"Aren't you... going? Don't you want to see the Adeptus?"
Turning back, Kiana asked Shenhe.
Of course, she knew why Shenhe wasn't going, but she wanted to hear Shenhe's answer.
"Not everyone is fated to meet an Adeptus. It's not something that can be forced."
Glancing at Kiana, Shenhe replied with her usual placid tone.
"I see. In that case, I'll be on my way."
Nodding, Kiana didn't ask anything else and walked straight ahead.
I think I'm supposed to make three dishes...
As she walked toward the summit, Kiana recalled the plot she had seen before; she remembered that the woman would only appear after three dishes were made.
But three dishes were ultimately too much trouble, and very time-consuming.
This is the place...
Soon, Kiana arrived at the table set with three seats.
Just like in the story, there was some writing on it.
"Guizhong..."
Murmuring the name under her breath, Kiana couldn't help but recall some of the story involving the Lord of Dust and Zhongli.
Forget it...
I should go meet that woman first...
Pushing her thoughts aside, Kiana decided to pay the woman a visit first.
Her gaze then shifted to the entrance of a nearby cave.
There, something that looked like a talisman was sealing the cave entrance, preventing outsiders from entering.
Of course, "outsiders" did not include Kiana.
Although she knew how to remove the seal through normal means, she couldn't be bothered to do so.
But if she were to enter through unconventional means, she could no longer maintain her disguise as an ordinary person seeking an Adeptus.
But...
Can that woman tell that I'm different?
With this thought, Kiana had already stopped in front of the seal at the cave entrance.
To her, this seal was no obstacle to her entry; she simply hadn't made a move yet.
Clang, clang, clang—
Like knocking on a door, Kiana reached out and tapped the seal lightly, and it immediately produced a clear, crisp sound.
This sound is quite pleasant...
Pulling her hand back, Kiana was clearly pleased with the sound.
Then, in an instant, she vanished from before the seal.
Meanwhile, Shenhe, who was waiting below the summit, was looking up in its direction.
But can she prepare the food on her own...
After staring for a long time, Shenhe finally started walking towards the summit. She was worried the girl wouldn't be able to manage the dishes by herself.
Furthermore, it was already evening, so she decided to go up and help so she could send the girl down the mountain sooner.
Huh?
Where'd she go?
Why has she disappeared?
Arriving quickly at the summit, Shenhe found it completely empty.
___
(This chapter really is short; I translated it three times just to be sure.)
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