Passing through the road in the hills, the vast field of vision opened up suddenly.
A brilliantly lit city came into view.
A City of Rock where merchants gathered and traffic was heavy.
The most eye-catching thing was Liyue Harbor on the side of Liyue City.
Like a golden pearl inlaid on the earth, dazzling and solemn.
At this time, night had fallen, and the lights of Liyue City were lit one by one.
The breeze blew, carrying the faint water vapor of Dihua Marsh.
The distant rocky mountains stood quietly in the night, majestic and immobile, like sleeping behemoths.
And Liyue City, surrounded by mountains, flowed with light and color under the starry night sky, like a fairyland on earth.
Looking at the city gate from a distance, the vermilion archway had flying eaves and corners, full of ancient charm.
The structure of carved beams and painted buildings showed a strong oriental flavor under the illumination of lights. Glazed tiles glowed with pale gold luster in the glimmer.
At the city gate, two huge red lanterns swayed slightly with the wind, emitting a warm and peaceful halo, illuminating every traveler stepping into Liyue.
Inside the city gate, layers of wooden pavilions were scattered high and low, built against the mountain, suspended on the rock wall like a heavenly palace.
Under the background of lights, the architectural complex of the entire Liyue City was like a finely crafted painting.
Ancient buildings were scattered in the city, each unique.
There were both traditional Chinese-style flying eaves buildings and spacious shops combining port trade needs. Every brick and tile revealed a simple and charming style.
Even standing outside the city, one could see figures moving on the distant streets and alleys, lively and extraordinary.
One could even hear shouts and laughter coming from afar, interweaving into a symphony full of human fireworks.
"Wah, is this Liyue?"
Seeing the prosperous Liyue in front of her, Lumine widened her eyes instantly.
Too prosperous.
Completely different from Mondstadt.
Looking along the winding bluestone road, streets and alleys crisscrossed.
Red lanterns of various shapes hung on both sides of the street.
The breeze blew, lanterns swaying gently, sprinkling a warm yellow light and shadow, filling the entire Liyue Harbor with a warm and solemn atmosphere.
And closest to the harbor, rows of neatly docked merchant ships could be seen at the pier.
Sails swayed slightly in the night wind. The water surface reflected the lights of thousands of homes in Liyue, like stars reflecting.
Looking at this scene from outside Liyue City, the entire Liyue Harbor was like a magnificent painting.
It had both the calmness of the earth and the vitality of prosperity, like a fairyland under the night curtain.
Paimon looked at the scene in front of her and couldn't help widening her eyes, exclaiming, "Wow—Liyue's night is really beautiful!"
"Very beautiful."
Kael also looked at Liyue City in front of him with amazement.
Reality is not a game.
Only by experiencing it personally can one understand how prosperous Liyue is in the evening.
As expected of the most prosperous place.
"Hehe, let's go, let's go."
Immediately, Paimon flew forward excitedly. "I can't wait to go in and stroll around."
Lumine smiled gently, stepped forward, and walked toward the inside of Liyue City with Kael.
At the city gate of Liyue, a wide wooden bridge spanned the entrance.
Bright lanterns burned on both sides of the bridge, illuminating the outline of the city under the night.
On the bridge, several fully armed Millelith stood straight.
Their sharp eyes scanned the passing pedestrians, vigilantly maintaining the order of Liyue City.
Teams of merchants, adventurers, and residents lined up orderly, waiting for the Millelith's inspection.
"Everyone keep order, you will enter the city soon."
A Millelith said loudly.
While checking the goods of a merchant, ensuring no dangerous items entered the city.
The crowd at the city gate was bustling, lively and orderly.
Many merchants pushed carts, discussing today's transactions excitedly;
Adventurers stood aside, either organizing equipment or whispering about recent Liyue news;
There were also Liyue residents chatting with the Millelith, looking peaceful.
However, just then.
When Kael and the others stepped onto the wooden bridge and walked slowly toward the city gate, an invisible aura swept through the entire city gate instantly.
Surrounding merchants, adventurers, and residents lining up stopped their movements subconsciously. Their eyes were invariably attracted by the figure behind Kael.
"Th-What is that?!"
Someone exclaimed, face full of incredulity.
In an instant, the noisy city gate seemed to have pressed the pause button.
Everyone looked sideways, eyes full of shock and doubt—
Behind Kael, an ice-blue shadow followed slowly. It was the Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow!
Cold air permeated from its body. Crystal clear frost flickered with grim luster on the edge of its armor.
The huge Ice Axe in its hand, flashing with cold light, was like some taboo power from another world, refracting ghostly light in the night.
Although the Shadow had no hostility, its existence itself was shocking enough!
"Wh-What kind of monster is this?!"
"How could someone bring such a thing into Liyue?!"
"Is it some kind of monster?! Will it be dangerous?!"
For a time, low discussions erupted in the crowd.
Many merchants and residents dared not approach, retreating a few steps one after another, a trace of fear in their expressions.
There were even a few bold ones taking out Kameras to record this scene.
The Millelith also sensed this strange aura.
Soldiers who were originally conducting routine inspections looked up one after another, their gazes falling on Kael and the others in unison.
The leading Millelith Squad Leader's pupils contracted slightly, a look of astonishment appearing on his face.
He even sucked in a breath of cold air involuntarily. "This... Isn't this...?"
The order given to them by Lady Yuheng (Keqing) this morning appeared in his mind immediately—
"In two or three days, the Liyue City Gate might welcome two important visitors, accompanied by a unique Ice Man. Keep the Millelith vigilant."
"Do not block, but must report immediately."
They even saw the photo.
But it's only been one day?
Why so fast?!
"This... The visitor mentioned by Lady Yuheng actually arrived early?!"
"Quick! Notify Lady Keqing immediately!"
The Squad Leader dared not neglect, hurriedly instructing the soldiers beside him in a low voice, tone carrying a few points of urgency.
The soldiers reacted immediately.
Quickly sent people to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, preparing to report to Keqing.
At the same time, the Millelith soldiers quickly adjusted their state, recovered their calm, and walked up to greet Kael and the others.
"Everyone, please wait a moment."
The Squad Leader's attitude was very kind.
Although confused in his heart, he still maintained Liyue's etiquette, saying in a steady tone, "Are you travelers from Mondstadt? We need to report to Lady Yuheng. Please wait a moment, someone will come to receive you later."
As expected.
Hearing this, Kael nodded gently.
It seemed Yelan had already met Keqing and told her about Wangshu Inn.
Then the "Yukong" option that appeared when he was outputting on Fischl last night likely corresponded to Keqing.
Really a bit incongruous.
The faces of Yukong (HSR) and Keqing flashed in Kael's mind.
"Eh?"
Paimon looked surprised.
Then looked at the Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow following beside her, tugged Kael's sleeve secretly, and muttered, "Uh... we won't be unable to enter Liyue City, right?"
Although the Shadow acted as their guard all the way.
But people who didn't know would indeed be afraid.
If they couldn't enter Liyue City because of the Shadow, they could really only sleep outside Liyue tonight.
"Won't happen. Don't worry."
Kael patted Paimon's head gently and chuckled.
Lumine stood obediently beside Kael, following his lead.
At this time, after confirming their identities, the Millelith didn't take any excessive measures temporarily.
Just let the gate guards raise their vigilance while waiting for Keqing's instructions.
However, just then.
Not far away, a merchant lining up whispered, "Do you feel... this young man with the monster looks a bit familiar?"
Another Liyue adventurer frowned, scrutinized the Shadow carefully.
Suddenly seeming to think of something, a look of astonishment appeared on his face. "Wait... Aren't they the strange travelers who appeared at Wangshu Inn?"
While speaking, he looked at the Shadow, tone carrying a bit of hesitation. "I heard! Two days ago someone saw a blonde girl appear at Wangshu Inn! At that time, she was accompanied by a cold guy!"
"At that time, the Millelith didn't care yet. That cold guy seemed to be stationed like a warrior, guarding outside Wangshu Inn without eating or drinking. Someone even took photos."
"That's right, it's that strange guy."
"Hiss, weren't they at Wangshu Inn yesterday? Arrived in Liyue today? How can the speed be so fast?"
"Holy sh*t, I set off from Wangshu Inn the day before yesterday and just arrived today. How is it the same speed as them?"
One after another was astonished.
Many people who didn't understand heard these words and looked surprised and curious.
Liyue had always been a place with well-informed news.
Moreover, Kael brought such a unique existence.
For a time, the atmosphere at the entire city gate became different.
The Squad Leader also heard these discussions, frowning slightly, doubts deepening in his heart.
One day, from Wangshu Inn to Liyue City?
This speed far exceeded the pace of ordinary people.
Even for Liyue people familiar with the terrain, if they didn't stop at all, it would take at least two days to get from Wangshu Inn to Liyue Harbor.
Let alone other dangers appearing on the road.
The only thing he had to do now was wait for the arrival of Yuheng Keqing...
At this moment, inside Liyue City.
On the street.
There were also Liyue residents stirred up by the sudden situation outside Liyue City.
Stopping one by one, even looking up and looking out, extremely curious.
And people leaving Liyue from the side gate also stopped one by one, surprised.
"What is that person's identity? The Millelith actually didn't let them queue, but politely invited them to wait aside?"
A Liyue merchant leaving stopped and discussed in a low voice, eyes full of curiosity.
After all, in Liyue, during some festivals or crowded conditions, one must follow the rules and queue to enter the city.
Even high-status merchants only had special priority channels at most.
But being so "courteous" by the Millelith seemed not to be ordinary people.
"Strange... I see they are not from Liyue either... and no Visions... Who exactly are they?"
A young adventurer beside him also frowned, scrutinizing Kael and Lumine carefully. The more he looked, the more he felt they didn't look like locals.
"And... did you notice? They don't wear Visions."
As soon as these words came out, everyone around was stunned.
"Eh? That's right! No Visions?!"
Even in Liyue, it was a place that respected Visions extremely.
Vision holders would wear Visions to show their strength and identity.
Possessing identity and status that ordinary people didn't have.
But Kael and Lumine outside had no Visions, yet were invited aside by the Millelith.
What identity?
"Could it be some distinguished guest?"
Someone whispered, eyes flickering slightly.
"Maybe guests invited by the Lord Liyue Qixing?"
"Don't forget, Liyue's annual Rite of Descension attracts people from many countries."
"But that's not right. Whether Fontaine or Inazuma, they don't go by land. They come by boat. And isn't Inazuma in lockdown?"
"For Fontaine, that direction isn't the direction of the Fontaine nation either."
"And if they are guests, Lady Ganyu should appear to receive them, right?"
"Did you notice... that cold warrior behind them?"
Someone pointed to the Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow behind Kael, a trace of fear on his face. "That guy... doesn't look like a follower an ordinary person can bring."
The discussion grew louder.
Amidst these whispers, the Squad Leader maintained his calm throughout.
He had sent someone to report to Lady Keqing.
Now the only thing he had to do was ensure the stability of the situation and not let these curious citizens get too close.
Meanwhile.
Near Liyue Harbor.
Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The figure of the Millelith hurried through the hall of the Ministry, steps steady and hurried, aiming straight for the office.
In the office, a girl with purple hair draped over her shoulders, wearing black silk stockings (Keqing), was standing in front of the desk, holding a scroll, scanning rows of accounts with sharp eyes.
It was Yuheng Keqing of the Liyue Qixing!
These days, she had been preparing for the upcoming Rite of Descension.
Various accounts, purchase arrangements, city order regulation, and other affairs piled up like a mountain, leaving her almost no chance to rest.
But just as she looked down at the accounts, the office door was knocked gently.
"Enter."
The door opened, and a Millelith soldier walked in quickly, kneeling on one knee, reporting in a low voice: "Lady Keqing, urgent intelligence."
Keqing frowned slightly, put down the document in her hand, looked up at the soldier. "What is it?"
The Millelith spoke very fast but clearly: "Lady Yuheng, two suspicious visitors just appeared at the city gate. Just as the person you ordered before, they do not hold Visions, but the Millelith confirmed their identities are extraordinary."
"The person I ordered before?"
Keqing raised her eyebrows slightly, a sharp light flashing in her eyes.
The Millelith took a deep breath and whispered, "Yes, the traveler from Mondstadt you mentioned this morning, possibly even the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius, accompanied by an unidentified white flying object, and... a cold warrior."
"Now, they have arrived at the Liyue City Gate."
Hearing this, Keqing's pupils contracted for an instant, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"...They arrived already?"
Keqing put down the pen in her hand, her gaze slightly solemn.
She only heard Yelan mention it the night before last.
And they arrived today?
Logically speaking, from Wangshu Inn to Liyue City.
Even Millelith elites, without sleep or rest, would need at least a day and a half to arrive.
And this was under the condition of no accidents on the road.
Especially since Yelan said they just arrived at Wangshu Inn the day before yesterday. Then yesterday they should be resting at Wangshu Inn.
Or strolling.
Then set off today, or even tomorrow.
But those two from Mondstadt arrived today?
Could it be they rested for a night and then rushed to Liyue City non-stop?
Thinking this, Keqing quickly gathered her thoughts, her eyes returning to calm and sharpness.
She couldn't let these unsolved mysteries delay handling major events.
After all, the Rite of Descension in Liyue Harbor was about to begin.
At this critical juncture, she couldn't let any unstable factors affect the order of the city.