Chapter 66. Heading to Sumeru
(Ugh, for Sumeru part, I did not follow the side story too much even for the desert part my exploration only in fifties. I humbly apologize if there were any wrong information written here. But the recent patch was amazing. The Burning Irminsul was shown in the trailer on version 3; however, it is only burned now in version 6. In addition, the farewell between Zandik and Feofan was good, Il Dottore truly a perfect villain from the start to the end. Though, I don't know if it could be seen as the end; since I have read information that his segment in Nod-Krai and Sumeru was his last, but it is Dottore, he himself have lot of segments and a few might really there.)
In the end, Futsu Mitama still firmly rejected Albedo's bold proposal.
After all, nobody could predict what kind of terrifying existence would emerge if Hu Tao and Klee fused together.
So Futsu Mitama decisively abandoned the idea of using the Fusion Card on the two of them.
At most—
He merely wanted to see what kind of changes would occur if Klee fused with Nahida instead.
As evening descended, Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi began using the legendary kitchenware to make desserts.
The two worked together in the kitchen for nearly one to two hours.
During that time, countless desserts were successfully created one after another.
Unfortunately—
Despite producing so many desserts, not a single special phenomenon appeared.
That outcome was somewhat regrettable.
However, although no miraculous effect emerged, the desserts themselves still received unanimous praise from the Chat Group members.
Everyone agreed that the desserts tasted exceptionally delicious.
Even Raiden Ei gave an extremely high evaluation, openly stating that if possible, she hoped everyone could continue making desserts for her in the future.
In response, Yae Miko lazily asked:
"Aren't you worried about cavities? And won't you eventually get tired of eating so many sweets?"
Raiden Ei remained entirely fearless.
Not only did she say she wouldn't grow tired of them, but she even felt there could never be too many desserts.
Unfortunately, very few people in the group actually enjoyed making desserts.
Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi had only tried it this time out of curiosity and novelty, which was why they used the legendary kitchenware today.
After all, they would soon depart for Sumeru together with Futsu Mitama.
Once the journey officially began, they likely wouldn't have much spare time to continue experimenting with desserts.
Eula did say that she could make desserts.
However, she was frequently away from Inazuma and couldn't constantly prepare sweets for the Raiden Shogun.
The other members capable of cooking desserts also claimed they had their own matters to deal with recently, making it impossible for them to continuously use the legendary kitchenware.
Bosacius, who still didn't understand the truth of the situation, innocently suggested:
"Wouldn't the Raiden Shogun simply be able to make desserts herself?"
Raiden Ei immediately felt that his words made perfect sense.
The moment those words were spoken, both Yae Miko and Raiden Makoto panicked.
The two immediately stepped forward to stop her.
Then, later that night, Raiden Ei calmly announced within the Chat Group that the Shogun had once again been practicing martial arts in the kitchen—and had blown the kitchen up.
The entire group collectively fell silent.
At that moment, Bosacius also finally realized exactly what kind of outrageous suggestion he had made earlier.
—
Another week soon passed within Liyue Harbor.
During that period, everyone rested peacefully while leisurely sightseeing throughout Liyue.
After all, their original purpose for coming to Liyue had been to rescue Black Aila.
Now that Black Aila had successfully been saved, there was naturally no reason to continue rushing around.
So everyone chose to simply enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of Liyue Harbor together.
Thus, for nearly the entire week, aside from Lumine and Paimon, almost everyone else was either already out playing or currently on their way somewhere to have fun.
As for Lumine and Paimon—
They had accepted Ningguang's commission to head toward The Chasm and clear away the spreading black mud and corrupted passages.
Albedo, meanwhile, immediately created large quantities of imitation purified water and handed them over to the Liyue Qixing, telling them to use it however they saw fit.
If supplies ran out, they could contact him again.
For this, the Liyue Qixing were deeply grateful. They even offered Albedo numerous benefits and future promises in return.
Yet Albedo himself remained entirely indifferent toward those things.
He merely shook his head helplessly and said:
"If possible, I only hope the Liyue Qixing will properly take care of my younger sister Klee. As for the rest, it doesn't matter."
This response left the Liyue Qixing rather puzzled.
So many benefits and promises were placed before him, yet he rejected all of them, caring only about his younger sister?
Although they didn't quite understand why Albedo specifically emphasized this point, after a short internal discussion, the Liyue Qixing still agreed.
At the same time, they formally signed a cooperative contract with the Knights of Favonius of Mondstadt.
Not long after the contract was finalized, Klee was finally released from Guizhong's custody.
Then—
Hu Tao immediately found her.
And soon afterward—
The Liyue Qixing finally understood why Albedo had specifically requested that they "take good care of Klee."
Because the combination of Hu Tao and Klee truly caused enormous chaos throughout Liyue.
Countless monsters and wandering spirits suffered under the hands of those two.
Sometimes, the pair became too excited and acted completely without restraint, accidentally triggering all sorts of incidents.
As a result, the Millelith ended up arresting them multiple times.
However, both Hu Tao and Klee possessed remarkably sincere attitudes when admitting mistakes.
Not only were they willing to compensate for damages, but considering Albedo's contributions to Liyue and Hu Tao's status as the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the Millelith truly found it difficult to scold them too harshly.
In the end, all they could do was repeatedly warn them not to do it again.
Then release them.
Unfortunately…
The two of them would admit their mistakes sincerely one day—
—and repeat them perfectly the next day.
This gave the higher ups of Liyue enormous headaches.
Eventually, Keqing proposed sending the two of them to The Chasm. There, no matter how much trouble they caused, it would at least be manageable.
Even if accidents happened, The Chasm was heavily guarded, allowing immediate response.
Klee's Jumpy Dumpty could even be used to clear monsters and black mud.
Hu Tao also understood sealing arts and could assist in handling dangerous situations.
As the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she likewise possessed sufficient qualifications to enter The Chasm.
Thus, Albedo, Klee, and Hu Tao happily obtained permission to go "play" within The Chasm.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon remained trapped there working hard to clear the muddy passages.
One group went sightseeing.
The other became laborers.
Eventually, however, even Futsu Mitama's group finished resting. It was finally time to leave Liyue and head toward Sumeru.
On the day of departure, everyone packed their belongings and prepared to leave Liyue Harbor.
Coincidentally, just as they were getting ready to depart, Ningguang personally arrived with several attendants.
After learning that Futsu Mitama and the others planned to leave for Sumeru that very day, she specifically came to see them off.
"After parting today—"
Ningguang sighed softly, her tone carrying faint emotion.
"who knows when we shall meet again?"
Originally, she had intended to invite everyone to dine at the Jade Chamber that evening. She simply hadn't expected them to already have their luggage packed and be preparing to depart today.
"I'm not sure either."
Futsu Mitama shook his head slightly.
Truthfully, even he didn't know how long the journey to Sumeru would take. Unlike Mondstadt, Liyue, or Inazuma, Sumeru was filled with too many unknown variables.
Although Futsu Mitama already possessed Demon Gods-level strength, his knowledge regarding Sumeru remained very limited.
In his previous life, he knew Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma almost completely.
Whether it was Enkanomiya beneath Watatsumi Island, the mysterious depths below The Chasm, or the hidden island of Time near Mondstadt—he understood those places thoroughly.
Thus, he knew which areas should be avoided and which dangers required caution.
Sumeru, however, was entirely different.
The information he possessed was only what ordinary players could publicly investigate.
As for hidden truths, secret areas, or deeper conspiracies—
He knew almost nothing, he didn't have the patient to explore them.
And based on the current intelligence alone, it was already clear that the Sumeru Akademiya was cooperating with Dottore and Scaramouche.
Under such circumstances, even Futsu Mitama could no longer move around as freely and casually as before.
He needed to remain cautious.
Even with Demon Gods-level strength, it changed nothing.
After all, even existences like Zhongli and Raiden Ei never acted recklessly despite their power.
Moreover, Archons themselves were not the pinnacle of Teyvat. Above them still existed far more terrifying and mysterious beings.
Unless the Chat Group reached Level 6—
Futsu Mitama had no intention of becoming arrogant.
If he truly began believing himself invincible, then sooner or later, he would undoubtedly pay the price for it.
"Not sure?"
Ningguang repeated those words softly. A faint brilliance flashed through her eyes as she let out a light chuckle.
"It seems the situation in Sumeru is rather complicated."
She did not continue questioning the matter. Instead, she smiled gently and said:
"I only hope that during the next Rite of Descension… you will all be present."
Although half a year still remained before the next Rite of Descension, Ningguang still formally extended the invitation.
The reason was simple.
The previous Rite of Descension had symbolized the establishment of the contract between humanity and the Adeptus under Keqing's leadership.
This upcoming Rite of Descension, however, would essentially serve as an "answer sheet" presented before Rex Lapis and the Adeptus.
Because of that, Ningguang had already begun meticulous preparations long in advance.
"Of course." Futsu Mitama immediately agreed without hesitation. "We'll definitely attend this year's Rite of Descension."
Especially since—
"It's the Rite of Descension personally organized by Miss Ningguang. How could we possibly miss it?"
Yes.
Futsu Mitama had already vaguely guessed that Zhongli would eventually stage his "death" exactly as before.
As for whether it would still involve the dramatic high-altitude descent from the skies—he didn't know.
But one thing was certain.
If Rex Lapis never "died," then Zhongli's current identity as an ordinary mortal would lose all meaning. Thus, this upcoming Rite of Descension would very likely become the final appearance of "Rex Lapis."
And naturally—
Futsu Mitama had absolutely no intention of missing such a grand spectacle.
Meanwhile, Ningguang's smile deepened slightly.
Because in her ears, Futsu Mitama's words sounded less like he was attending for the Rite of Descension and more like he was attending for her.
After all, while the Rite of Descension occurred every year, each ceremony organized by a different Qixing member possessed entirely unique meaning.
If she missed her own ceremony this year—
Then she would likely need to wait another seven years.
And in a person's lifetime—how many seven-year periods truly existed?
"Then I shall thank you in advance."
Ningguang let out a soft laugh before asking curiously:
"If you're heading to Sumeru—aren't you planning to bring the Traveler along as well?"
In Ningguang's view, Lumine and Paimon already shared an excellent relationship with Futsu Mitama's group.
Moreover, the Traveler herself possessed extremely impressive strength.
Based on the information gathered by the Qixing, Ningguang already understood clearly that Lumine was far from an ordinary adventurer.
If someone like her accompanied Futsu Mitama to Sumeru—
During this trip to Sumeru, the Traveler would definitely be able to help Futsu Mitama.
"It's too early. The time hasn't come yet."
Futsu Mitama shook his head slightly. Although he had considered bringing Lumine and Paimon to Sumeru, doing so felt like skipping ahead too soon. More importantly, the Traveler possessed an almost inevitable tendency to become entangled in trouble wherever she went. If Lumine and Paimon accompanied them to Sumeru now, countless unpredictable variables would likely emerge.
Because of this, on the day before departure, Futsu Mitama specifically told Lumine and Paimon to remain safely in Liyue and continue clearing the muddy passages within The Chasm.
They should not involve themselves in Sumeru's affairs for the time being.
If they truly became bored, they could simply board Beidou's ship and visit Inazuma instead.
If they went there, Futsu Mitama believed that Yae Miko and Kamisato Ayaka would certainly welcome them warmly.
Lumine and Paimon were somewhat reluctant at first, but in the end, they still agreed.
On one hand, they currently had a contract with Liyue and could not leave The Chasm for the time being.
On the other hand, since Futsu Mitama had spoken so seriously, they naturally understood that the dangers hidden within Sumeru were likely extraordinary, and that he did not wish for them to become involved for the sake of their safety.
Neither Lumine nor Paimon were the type to recklessly ignore advice, so after discussing it briefly, they accepted Futsu Mitama's arrangement.
"Is that so?"
Ningguang naturally did not understand the deeper meaning behind Futsu Mitama's words of "too early" and "not yet time."
However, she clearly understood one thing: Futsu Mitama did not intend to bring the Traveler to Sumeru.
For some reason, this quietly made her feel relieved.
There was no denying it — the Traveler was exceptionally useful.
Not only could she purify muddy passages, but she was also highly efficient in combat, adept at exploration, capable of locating ores, and skilled in handling all kinds of unexpected situations.
According to Paimon, as long as there was enough mora, the Traveler could practically do anything.
Coincidentally, for Ningguang, anything that could be solved with mora was never truly a problem.
Thus, while chatting and laughing, Ningguang accompanied Futsu Mitama and the others as they gradually walked out of Liyue Harbor.
Along the way, they discussed many things.
They talked about Inazuma, Mondstadt, and even the Fatui from Snezhnaya.
Eventually, the conversation naturally shifted toward Rex Lapis and the future of Liyue itself.
Regarding Liyue's future, Futsu Mitama could only say that the current era belonged to both humanity and the Adeptus.
Humans had matters humans needed to worry about, while the Adeptus likewise had responsibilities only they could shoulder.
Some problems could never be solved by humans alone.
Likewise, some matters could never be perfectly resolved by the Adeptus either.
Humans were not omnipotent. Neither were the Adeptus.
Yet both sides possessed abilities and perspectives the other did not.
Perhaps this was precisely why Rex Lapis had permitted the transition into the era of humanity and Adeptus coexisting together.
After hearing this, Ningguang merely smiled softly and shook her head slightly.
She simply looked at Futsu Mitama quietly and did not continue the topic further.
Before long, the group arrived at the border of Liyue.
Whether one intended to travel to Mondstadt, Sumeru, or any other nation, only after crossing the borders of Liyue could the journey to another land truly begin.
Once they reached this place, Ningguang also stopped walking forward.
Futsu Mitama understood immediately, so he halted as well and looked toward her.
"Then… until next time."
"Mm."
Ningguang smiled and nodded gently. Although she no longer continued forward, she also did not immediately leave.
Instead, she intended to remain here and watch Futsu Mitama and the others depart before returning herself.
Futsu Mitama and the others likewise did not say much more. After exchanging several simple farewells with Ningguang, they finally turned and headed toward the direction of Sumeru.
After all, travel required time.
Since they had already set out, naturally they needed to advance quickly. Under normal circumstances, traveling from Liyue to Sumeru by land would take approximately seven to eight days.
The fastest method was naturally by sea.
If traveling by sea, the journey would only require roughly two or three days.
However, entering Sumeru through maritime routes involved many troublesome procedures.
One should not be deceived by how smoothly Futsu Mitama previously entered Mondstadt and Liyue.
That convenience existed entirely because of his status as the Raiden Shogun's Retainer, allowing him to bypass numerous formalities.
Now, however, he intended to enter Sumeru discreetly and keep a low profile, which naturally required more caution and preparation.
Of course, this did not exclude the possibility that Futsu Mitama simply wished to enjoy the scenery along the journey as well.
But regardless of the reason—their journey to Sumeru had officially begun.
And what kind of adventure awaited them ahead… no one yet knew.