"Even if the seas dry up and the land changes beyond recognition, we will never betray our contract—no matter how many thousands or tens of thousands of years have passed!" Xiao's expression was solemn as he spoke earnestly to Zhongli.
Behind him, Xianyun, Ping'er, and the other Adepti nodded in agreement. "The Conqueror of Demons speaks our shared resolve.
Even if the Geo Emperor no longer governs Liyue, our duty to protect it will never change. Let us see just how far the Liyue Qixing can take this era of human rule."
Xianyun added, "After some time, I plan to move into Liyue Harbor myself and take a proper look at what Liyue has become."
Zhongli gave a quiet hum of assent. "That would be good."
"It's getting late. I'll take Qiqi and head back first," Lora said as she bid everyone farewell.
"If my Rhodeia can't find me, she'll definitely start running around the streets asking everyone she meets!"
She then turned to Lumine. "While you're in Liyue, come visit me at the Jade Chamber when you have time."
"Okay!" Lumine and Paimon both nodded.
...
With the matter of the Geo Emperor's passing brought to a close, the affairs of the Liyue Qixing gradually returned to normal, and Liyue Harbor itself steadily recovered in an orderly fashion.
The Yun-Han Opera Troupe soon released news that Yunjin's new opera was being prepared at full speed and would be presented to the people of Liyue before long.
Upon hearing this, many fans of Yunjin spread the word excitedly, eagerly awaiting the premiere.
When the day of the performance arrived, the Yun-Han Opera Troupe was filled to capacity.
Due to their special status, Zhongli and Lora were seated in the finest section of the audience by Yunjin herself. Shenhe, as the central figure of The Divine Damsel of Devastation, was also invited to attend.
"Zhongli, you're here—but where's Zhongyue?" Lora asked curiously when she saw he was sitting alone.
"I heard she's preparing a Lantern Rite surprise with Xianyun. I haven't seen her around these past few days," Zhongli replied.
Lora frowned in thought.
"She's working on a Lantern Rite surprise with Xianyun? Are they inventing something again? What could a bird and a dragon possibly come up with? A winged, dragon-shaped Sky Lantern?"
Zhongli shook his head. "That, I couldn't say. I don't pry into what they're doing."
"Fair enough." Lora nodded, then turned to Shenhe beside her.
"Shenhe, I heard you were present during Miss Yun's rehearsals?"
Shenhe nodded. "Yes. Yunjin said that the moment I froze the towering waves that day—saving her and the Millelith—gave her the inspiration."
"Hearing that makes me even more eager to see Miss Yun's The Divine Damsel of Devastation," Zhongli said calmly after taking a sip of tea. He then looked at Shenhe and added, "I must also thank Miss Shenhe for providing that inspiration."
"Ah… um… I…"
Shenhe knew Zhongli's true identity. Hearing him thank her so formally left her so flustered she wanted to hide on the spot.
Unfortunately, they were seated near the front—any commotion would draw plenty of attention. She had no choice but to suppress her embarrassment.
Who would have thought Shenhe would be the first victim?
Lora sighed inwardly.
As the audience waited in anticipation, Yunjin stepped onto the stage, accompanied by the opening drumbeats.
The crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on her.
"Ala—"
As Yunjin's clear, lilting voice rang out, everyone was drawn into the story.
They saw the young girl—brave beyond her years—standing alone against evil spirits and monsters. They saw her encounter immortal fate, becoming like a solitary crane, aloof and untouched by the mortal world.
When the line "Though a lofty tune may not be widely known, it will always find its true listener" was sung, the atmosphere reached its peak.
As the final notes faded, thunderous applause erupted, lingering for a long while.
"Miss Yun's opera truly deserves its reputation as Liyue's finest," Zhongli said as he set down his teacup and applauded. He then turned to Lora and asked, "Did you bring any Mora?"
"What for?" Lora blinked in confusion.
"In Liyue, there is a custom," Zhongli explained. "If you think a performance is well done, you prepare some Mora as a token of appreciation."
"Uh…" Lora looked at him. "So when you go out to watch operas, you don't bring money?"
"I forgot my wallet today," Zhongli replied smoothly and candidly, without the slightest hint of embarrassment.
Seeing how completely natural he looked, Lora felt utterly helpless. She sighed and turned to Rhodeia. "Rhodeia, how much money did we bring?"
"My lady, we didn't bring much either. And weren't we saving it to buy you candied hawthorn later?"
Rhodeia said instinctively, clutching the purse.
"Ah…" Lora felt a bit awkward. "We'll just put the candied hawthorn on the tab later. You can't exactly put opera tips on a bill, can you? Be good—just use it for now."
Rhodeia glanced at Lora, then at Zhongli, and finally nodded.
"Alright."
After taking out the salary Ningguang had given her, Lora split the money in half and handed one portion to Zhongli. "Here. Yours."
"Much appreciated," Zhongli said as he accepted it. "If you ever require the services of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor again, I'll ask the Director to give you a discount."
Several black lines dropped from Lora's forehead. "That really doesn't sound like gratitude."
"I'm only joking," Zhongli said with a smile.
"What, did a stone finally bloom? You know how to joke now?" Lora stared at him in disbelief.
Zhongli nodded slightly. "Naturally. Living in Liyue, one should act like a human."
"Then next time you go out, act like one properly," Lora said. "And remember to bring money."
"Ah… I'll keep that in mind," Zhongli replied.
After the Yun-Han Opera Troupe performance concluded, Yunjin came over to join Lora and the others for a small private gathering.
Zhongli preferred tea, Lora was fine with either tea or wine, and Shenhe only drank water. As such, Yunjin used tea in place of wine to toast the three of them.
At the end, Zhongli said to Lora, "Lora, there is a banquet tomorrow at the Pearl Galley. If you are free, would you accompany me?"
"The Pearl Galley? What kind of place is that?" Lora asked, taken aback.
"It's a painted pleasure boat that only invited guests may board," Zhongli explained. "Most of Liyue's prominent figures gather there to exchange toasts and information."
"If it's invitation-only, I don't think I was invited," Lora said, pointing at herself in confusion.
"Can I really go?"