Ningguang was utterly shaken!
Liyue, Qixing Mansion.
In the room adjacent to Ningguang's bedroom, the entire space was suddenly engulfed in a brilliant pink radiance. Beams of light even managed to pierce through the cracks in the walls and door.
Slowly, the light began to dim.
Ye Xi looked down at the omamori in his hand, his eyes wide with astonishment. The exquisite amulet had vanished, and in its place was a person!
No, more accurately, it was a pink-furred fox!
Her fur was of such fine quality that its fluffy texture was practically addictive to the touch. As the light faded completely, Ye Xi finally saw the figure before him clearly. It was exactly as he had suspected.
From the moment he received the omamori from Yae Miko, he knew it contained a massive amount of Yokai Power. It was enough to allow Yae Miko to cross the vast distance of the ocean through space itself to appear before him.
He just hadn't expected that she would come only three days after he left Inazuma!
As the light dissipated, the sassy fox appeared right before his eyes. Because of the momentum of her arrival, he found himself holding her in a "princess carry." Her weight hit him all at once, forcing him to steady his stance.
She wasn't particularly heavy, but he instinctively pulled her a bit closer.
Yae Miko suddenly felt a profound sense of security. In all her years, she had never been held by a man like this. This sudden embrace felt like having someone to truly lean on. In an instant, she found herself captivated by the sensation. It reminded her of being a child, often perched upon the shoulders of Lady Kitsune Saiguu.
"Miko, why are you here?"
She was just as beautiful and moving as she had been back at the hot springs. However, compared to her lazy, languid demeanor from that day, she now looked heavy-hearted, as if she were wrestling with a monumental decision.
Ye Xi had never thought of Yae Miko as an indecisive person.
Her purple eyes seemed to be whispering of some hidden grievance. Her red lips were slightly parted, and she was panting for breath, clearly exhausted from expending so much Yokai Power.
He moved to set her down, but she didn't distance herself. They were standing even closer than they had been during their encounter at the hot springs. He could smell the faint scent of cherry blossomsthe unique fragrance of the falling petals from the Sacred Sakura.
"Ye Xi, are you not going to welcome me?"
Yae Miko wagged her fluffy tail, a rare trace of resentment flickering in her eyes. She looked like a young wife who had traveled far to drag her husband back home.
In truth, she was feeling a sudden wave of hesitation. Back in Inazuma, her only thought had been to reach Liyue and force the issue. But now that she was standing right in front of the man she liked, she felt a bit timid.
Startled, Ye Xi shook his head quickly. "How could I not? I'm more than happy you're here."
Yae Miko placed her hands on her hips and gave a soft huff. "Such a silver tongue. Your eyes aren't suited for lying. But at least that answer put me in a better mood."
Hearing his words made her heart feel warm. Whether it was the truth or a lie, women loved hearing sweet wordsand foxes were no exception.
Ye Xi chuckled. "Do you want something to eat? I just got back from the night market and bought a lot of snacks. Liyue's night market is truly bustling; the food is incredible. Especially this Grilled Tiger Fishit's a masterpiece!"
Yae Miko stared straight into his eyes and asked with a deadpan expression, "Did you buy it with Miss Ganyu?"
Ye Xi froze.
[How does she know about that?]
[Don't tell me this omamori has a listening function too!?]
Though surprised, he didn't deny it. He nodded with a smile. "I found a decent job, and Miss Ganyu took me around Liyue today to get me settled. Surely that's not why you came all this way?"
He meant it as a casual question, but Yae Miko unexpectedly nodded. "Yes, that is exactly why. I am currently consumed by jealousy."
Ye Xi: ???
[This sassy fox is at it again!]
[What jealousy? She's clearly just teasing me to see my reaction.]
Hearing Ye Xi's heart, Yae Miko felt a bit aggrieved. Sassy fox, sassy foxyou call me that every single day! How am I teasing you? Jealousy is jealousy!
She suddenly lunged at Ye Xi, burying herself in his chest. The sense of security she had just lost came rushing back. Ye Xi felt an indescribable comfort, yet the proximity was so intense it made it hard to breathe.
"M-Miko!? What's wrong with you?!"
He was genuinely startled. He hadn't expected the sassy fox to be so direct! Normally, other people couldn't even get within a meter of her. It was only because of his close relationship with her that he could even get near. Now, they were in zero-distance contact!
Yae Miko wagged her tail and said with a pained tone, "Ye Xi, listen well. My honesty is a rare thing!"
Ye Xi's heart began to race. His brain was practically short-circuiting. When he failed to think anything further, Yae Miko reached out and pinched him.
"Yeah! I'm listening! What is it?" Ye Xi snapped back to reality.
Thinking about it, the sassy fox wasn't acting very sassy today. What was going on?
"Ye Xi, do you remember the joke I made in the Plane of Euthymia?"
Ye Xi nodded. Of course he remembered. How could he forget? Back then, Raiden Ei had suddenly declared that Yae Miko should marry him, which had completely caught him off guard.
Yae Miko buried her head against his chest and whispered, "That wasn't a joke..."
"CoughWhat!?"
[What is the situation right now?]
[If it wasn't a joke, then she's serious about us getting married?!]
Yae Miko felt like she was going to die of embarrassment. She spent her days teasing Ye Xi and thought that when she finally confessed, she would be calm and collected. She never expected she would be the nervous one!
She could hear Ye Xi's heartbeat. It was fast, but still steady. Her own heart, however, felt like a panicked deer, thumping non-stop. She felt like this would become a joke Ye Xi would hold over her for years.
She continued, "I had planned to wait until you returned to Inazuma to marry you, but I didn't expect your luck with women to be so good! When Ei saw you going on dates with Ganyu and Xiangling, she was nearly driven mad with anger!"
"I lied to her to keep her quiet, and I came here tonight specifically to marry you!"
Ye Xi felt like he was running out of brain cells. He quickly called for a timeout. "Wait a second, I wasn't on 'dates' with Xiangling or Ganyu! And what did you say you came here to do?"
"Marry you!"
Yae Miko didn't hesitate. Since she had already said this much, she cast her shyness aside. She was already here, and she had already embraced him. She had to "seal the deal" to truly be at peace! Besides, Raiden Ei would find out sooner or later. If the Shogun found out she had snuck off to find Ye Xi and hadn't actually done anything, wouldn't that bring shame to the name of the Nine-Tailed Fox?
She was going all in!
Yae Miko grabbed the hem of Ye Xi's clothes and said willfully, "Ye Xi, I don't care if you agree or not. You must marry me! Otherwise, I'm never leaving!"
Ye Xi's eyes widened. In the three years he had known her, this was the first time he had seen Yae Miko act like a vulnerable, demanding woman. Where was the sassy fox? In his memories of the "original setting," Yae Miko was a master manipulator, someone who played tricks and never revealed her true thoughts.
But the person in front of him didn't fit that description at all. She was more like a little girl acting spoiled and begging for a hug!
[Coming all this way to Liyue just to force me into a marriage?]
[But this is way too sudden!]
Hearing Yae Miko's confession, Ye Xi felt a mix of joy and fear. Yae Miko was undeniably beautiful, a fox yokai with a perfect figure; any man would be happy. But he was also terrified! Would his health hold up? With a wife like this, his kidneys were in for a rough time!
He shook the stray thoughts away and patted her shoulder. "Miko, even if you say that, a marriage needs a ceremony."
Yae Miko paused, realizing he had a point. Marriage wasn't just something two people could decide on and do instantly; it required complex rituals. Furthermore, this was Liyue, not Inazuma. But things had already come to this; she couldn't exactly wait until she went back to Inazuma after the war.
She blushed and said, "Light novels always have scenes like this! The key is the momentum! As long as the protagonist says it, all problems are solved! We can marry right now!"
Ye Xi was speechless. "This isn't a light novel..."
"I don't care!" Yae Miko looked up, her gaze resolute. "You've only been away from Inazuma for three days and you've already met three beautiful women. If you stay out for months, who knows how many women across the Seven Nations will fall for you! Since that's the case, I'm striking first!"
"We can worry about the formal ceremony later!"
[Striking... first?]
[How are you going to strike?!]
Before Ye Xi could finish the thought, he felt a tail wrap around him.
Suddenly, he understood exactly what she meant.
Ningguang was very busy. As the Tianquan, she was in charge of power and law, arguably the most important position among the Liyue Qixing. After finishing work, she usually returned to the Qixing Mansion to rest.
"That's enough, you don't need to see me off anymore."
Ningguang dismissed Baiven, Baishi, and Baixiao, sending them to rest while she walked to her bedroom alone. She had arranged for Ye Xi to stay in the room next to hers, intending to have a chat tonight and use the opportunity to read his inner thoughts to get more information.
However, it was already quite late, and the lights in Ye Xi's room were out. Assuming he was already asleep, she decided not to disturb him.
But as she approached Ye Xi's room, she suddenly heard some strange noises!
"Hmm?"
"Could it be!"
Though she had never personally experienced such things, she had certainly heard of them! After listening for just a moment, her usually calm and composed face was flushed with a mix of embarrassment and indignation!
"To do such a thing on the very first day!"
Ningguang felt the urge to burst through the door and demand an explanation! But then, she remembered what Beidou had said earlier that day.
Xiangling and Ye Xi have a very good relationship!
In other words, the person inside was likely Xiangling!? Now that she thought about it, she had heard rumors about Wanmin Restaurant. Apparently, they had released a new dish that was so popular it had drawn crowds away from Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion. There were even rumors that someone had proposed to Xiangling and that Chef Mao was extremely satisfied.
That person was definitely Ye Xi! If he had already proposed, then this was technically... reasonable. It was natural!
Although she had hired Ye Xi as her bodyguard, she couldn't restrict his personal life. Her plan to burst in evaporated. She sighed, feeling a strange sense of defeat. It was as if someone had snatched away a toy she had taken an interest in. She had to admit, there were many things about Ye Xi that attracted her.
But since he already belonged to Xiangling, there was nothing she could do. Ningguang didn't linger at the door and instead retreated to her own bedroom.
The next day.
Inazuma, Tenshukaku.
Raiden Ei had spent the entire night in meditation. She felt that her heart had finally calmed down. She had thought a lot, especially after the advice given by her best friend, Yae Miko.
She had awakened. She was certain now that she truly did like Ye Xi. Five hundred years ago, in that war, she had lost her dear sister. Later, her friends and companions had disappeared or betrayed her one by one. She had been left with no one to rely on except Yae Miko. Under that heavy blow, she had chosen to close herself off.
But now, it was different. Ye Xi had come. For the first time, she tasted the sweetness of depending on someone. Ye Xi brought her interesting light novels, told her fascinating stories, and made her Tricolor Dango and all sorts of delicacies. Most importantly, Ye Xi's inner voice was incredibly sincere; he would never betray or abandon her!
If possible, she wanted to stay by Ye Xi's side forever. She craved both kinship and love. She hoped that things could be like they were five hundred years agowith friends and family, sitting under the cherry blossom trees in the spring, drinking wine and enjoying the blossoms together in happiness.
Thus, she had reached a conclusion. As long as Ye Xi was with her, it was enough! And with Ye Xi there, Yae Miko would stay by her side as well. Plus, there was that little girl from the Kamisato clan. With the four of them together, it would feel more like a home. She was afraid of loneliness, so she hoped things would become lively again.
With this feeling in her heart, she arranged the Tricolor Dango on a plate, poured some Pearl Milk Tea, and opened the vision to see what Ye Xi was doing at that moment.
Soon, a picture appeared before her. Ye Xi was fast asleep, looking quite exhausted. The sunlight was spilling over the blankets; it was clearly a very peaceful morning. The sounds of birds chirping could be heard outside.
Suddenly, Ye Xi rolled over, and a pink tail poked playfully out from under the covers.
"Hmm?"
Raiden Ei noticed something was wrong. She immediately adjusted the angle and zoomed out. To her shock, she saw someone else lying right next to Ye Xi!
As the camera panned across, a very familiar face appeared in the frame. Wasn't that her best friendYae Miko!?
That tender little face was slightly flushed with shyness, and there were even faint tear stains on her porcelain skin. Her usually smooth pink hair was a bit messy, and she was currently sleeping soundly from exhaustion!
Her nine tails were scattered haphazardly without the slightest guard, though one tail seemed to have a mind of its own, wagging playfully. Her sacred and pure miko robes were tossed carelessly into a corner!
Those were Yae Miko's most treasured clothes! Everything about the scene made it perfectly clear what had happened last night!
In an instant, Raiden Ei went numb. Her mind simply ceased to function as she froze in place. Her mind echoed with the solemn promises Yae Miko had made just last night, and the lofty, reliable image she had projected.
[We should believe in him!]
[I will stay in Inazuma and wait for him to return!]
[We will wait together!]
The next second, the space within the Plane of Euthymia erupted with powerful bolts of lightning. The entire dimension was instantly filled with a violent thunderstorm!
"YAE MIKO!!!"
"YOU TRAITOR!!!"
"YOU STINKY FOX!!!"
Raiden Ei went on a rampage within her own space, and the seas around Inazuma were instantly shrouded in a terrifying thunderstorm! The sky over the entirety of Inazuma was covered in dark clouds as terrifying bolts of lightning exploded through the air. The heavy clouds seemed ready to crush the city!
Within Inazuma City, countless people looked up at the sky.
"What's happening?"
"It was just a sunny day, why is there a sudden thunderstorm?"
"Could something have happened to the Shogun!?"
"What's going on?"
No one knew what was happening. The terrifying storm raged for a full ten minutes before finally subsiding. But as the thunder vanished, a torrential downpour began. Inside the Plane of Euthymia, Raiden Ei began to cry.
She felt so wronged. They had agreed to wait for Ye Xi's return together, yet Yae Miko had snuck off to find him in the middle of the night. She had been betrayed again! And by her best friend!
Regardless, it was too late now! She could use her divine power to go to Liyue immediately, but it would be futile. She would wait for Yae Miko to return and explain herself!
Liyue, Qixing Mansion.
In the room next to Ningguang's bedroom.
Ye Xi poured himself a cup of Qingxin tea. It was slightly bitter, but good medicine tasted that way. Though he didn't know if Qingxin had the same effects as goji berries, it was a medicinal herb, so it had to be good for "nourishment." He wasn't saying he was "depleted," but it was better to be safe than sorry. He was young now, but who knew about the future?
As he was sipping the tea, two slender, soft arms wrapped around his neck from behind.
"Ye Xi, I want to eat fried tofu..."
The soft, seductive voice entered his ears, and Ye Xi felt as if his soul were floating.
[Is this what it feels like to commit a crime at the height of your career?]
[A fox that knows how to act spoiled is truly the best!]
[Her skin is really something else!]
He had to admit, Yae Miko's skin was incredibleas smooth as a newborn baby's. No one would guess she was a fox who had been around for over five hundred years.
[Maybe I shouldn't go to Mondstadt. Maybe I should just go back to Inazuma.]
[Or just take Miko traveling across the world.]
[Maybe it's time to just give up on ambition and slack off!]
Ye Xi felt like he had completely lost his drive. Falling into decadence happened in an instant, especially after tasting such sweetness. Of course, it was just a passing thought. He still had to go to Mondstadt.
He nodded. "If you want fried tofu, we need to go to a shop to buy some tofu first. How about I take you to the Moon Market?"
Yae Miko felt a surge of secret delight upon hearing Ye Xi praise her skin in his heart. Having spent so much time in the hot springs, she kept not only her tail fur but also her skin in perfect condition.
She was especially proud to hear that Ye Xi was considering giving up his ambitions for her. While it might be a tragedy for a nation when a king abandons his duties for a consort, for the consort, it was a point of pride.
"Sure, I've never been to the Moon Market before."
As they were discussing their plans, a knock came from the door.
"Ye Xi, are you ready for work?"
The voice was cool and indifferentit was Ningguang! Ye Xi suddenly remembered that today was his first day working as Ningguang's bodyguard! He had to go to work! Last night's events had caused him to completely forget about it!
[Oh no, Ningguang is right outside!]
[Wait, then everything that happened last night...]
As he was trying to figure out how to face Ningguang, Yae Miko suddenly stepped forward and opened the door. Thus, Ningguang and Yae Miko finally came face to face.
Even with her mental preparation, Ningguang was stunned the moment she saw Yae Miko! The person who appeared before her wasn't the energetic little chef, but a mature, beautiful woman who exuded even more charm than she did!
This wasn't Xiangling! This was... who?!
"Hello, Tianquan."
Yae Miko naturally recognized Ningguang. Even if they had never met, she had heard of her. Before Inazuma implemented the Sakoku Decree, Liyue and Inazuma had frequent dealings. It was just that Ganyu had been the one to handle those interactions. Over the last five hundred years, she had witnessed many generations of the Liyue Qixing come and go.
"You... who are you?"
Ningguang was taken aback. She had expected Xiangling to be with Ye Xi, not some other woman.
Yae Miko covered her mouth and gave a soft smile. "I am the Guuji of Inazuma's Grand Narukami Shrine. I have come on this visit for Ye Xi."
"The Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine? You are the famous Yae Miko?"
Ningguang's train of thought stalled for a moment. This was completely unexpected! According to her information, Yae Miko was a fox yokai born five hundred years ago and was a familiar of the current Raiden Shogun! She had existed since the Archon War five hundred years ago! For such an important figure from Inazuma to come to Liyue... and just for Ye Xi!?
She realized now that she had made a massive mistake: she had underestimated Ye Xi! Now, she was absolutely certain that Ye Xi was a trusted confidant of the Raiden Shogun.
Wait...
Ningguang stared at Yae Miko, her expression subtly shifting every second. If this woman was the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine and she had been in Ye Xi's room last night... then the person from last night was Yae Miko?
If she recalled correctly, Beidou had said a "Shirasagi Himegimi" in Inazuma liked Ye Xi, but she had never mentioned the Guuji having a relationship with him! Was it possible that the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine had actually fallen for a human?
How could that be!? As the Guuji, she was supposed to remain pure, yet she and Ye Xi... No matter how she looked at it, it was hard to imagine! She felt a headache coming on.
Yae Miko gave a faint smile. "I wouldn't say 'famous,' but yes, I am Yae Miko."
At that moment, Ye Xi walked out of the room, doing his best to act natural. "Morning, Ningguang."
Ningguang gave him a strange, playful look. "Ye Xi, did you rest well here in my Qixing Mansion last night?"
Ye Xi gave a dry cough, feeling a bit guilty. "It was good. Very quiet."
[This woman definitely heard something last night. She's teasing me on purpose.]
[Sigh, what can I do? She's a rich woman.]
[After the Rite of Descension, the Age of Humanity will begin.]
[Ningguang is already the Tianquan, in charge of power and law, and she's incredibly wealthy.]
[She is bound to become the most prominent of the Qixing.]
[Liyue is my home too; I'm going to live here eventually.]
[Becoming friends with Ningguang will definitely make life in Liyue much easier.]
Hearing Ye Xi's thoughts, Ningguang's brow furrowed.
The Age of Humanity is coming!
That phrase immediately grabbed her attention. She had gained another crucial piece of information. After the Rite of Descension, a massive catastrophe would occur, and after that catastrophe, the Age of Humanity would begin. This meant that Rex Lapis would leave Liyue, or perhaps even die in that disaster! It would be a calamity for Liyue!
She felt an urgent need to get the answer from Ye Xi's heart!
Beside them, Yae Miko had already noticed something was amiss. It was clear that Ningguang could also hear Ye Xi's inner voice; otherwise, she wouldn't be spacing out right now. Having lived for five hundred years, Miko was very familiar with Liyue's traditions. Even she had to show great respect to that Archon who had lived for over six thousand years!
Morax!
Every year during the Rite of Descension, he would descend to grant his blessings and guide the people of Liyue. From Ye Xi's thoughts, it wasn't hard to deduce that Liyue was about to transition from the "Age of Gods" to the "Age of Humanity"! This would be the most significant change in Liyue's history!
Now she understood why Ningguang had insisted on keeping Ye Xi close after only one meeting.
With that thought, Yae Miko decided she needed to have a private talk with Ningguang. She smiled and said, "Tianquan, I originally came to Liyue for urgent business. Now that it is resolved, I'd like to stay as a guest. Would you welcome me?"
Ningguang nodded. "Of course. Since the Lady Guuji has come to visit, I shall naturally show you the hospitality of a host. Please, follow me to Yuehai Pavilion for a talk."
Yae Miko nodded with satisfaction.
Ye Xi jumped in, "Then I'll head to Yuehai Pavilion as well. Today is my first day on the clock, after all."
Ningguang didn't refuse. The three of them walked out of the Qixing Mansion together as if taking a stroll, heading toward Yuehai Pavilion.
Yujing Terrace.
The news that Ningguang had hired Ye Xi as her personal bodyguard had already spread through the streets and alleys of Liyue. Upon hearing this, the Ministry of Civil Affairs had declared it a rumor and even dispatched the Millelith to suppress the information. But while they stopped the public from talking, the soldiers themselves couldn't stop gossiping.
The Millelith on guard were whispering among themselves.
"Can you believe it? Lady Tianquan suddenly hired a personal bodyguard! And it's a man!!"
"I know! When has Lady Tianquan ever let a man get that close to her?"
"They're saying he's her sweetheart! He's even moved into the room next to hers!"
"Hisswhat a lucky guy! To win the heart and soul of Lady Tianquan... his life is set!"
"More than just set! He's going to be incredibly wealthy with endless luxury!"
"I'm so jealous! Lady Ningguang is so beautiful and elegant. So many noble young masters of Yujing Terrace have chased her, but now she's finally been taken."
Everyone looked toward the mansion with envy. Everyone wanted to be Ningguang's personal bodyguard! In Liyue, who didn't look up to Ningguang? If they had a chance to even be near her, they'd be willing to die for it!
"So, what's his background?"
"No idea. They say he's handsome, tall, and dashing!"
"Does he have a Vision? If he's just an ordinary person, I'm going to be so salty!"
"He must have one! With Lady Ningguang's status, how could she look at a mortal without a Vision?"
"Exactly! If you don't even need a Vision, then I could have done it too!"
As they were talking, Ningguang appeared from the direction of the waterfall corner, walking gracefully with Ye Xi and Yae Miko. When the Millelith guards saw Ningguang, they immediately stood at attention, striking their spears against the ground in a respectful salute.
"Lady Tianquan!"
Ningguang gave a slight nod and led Yae Miko and Ye Xi into Yuehai Pavilion. As they watched the three walk away, the soldiers began to gossip again.
"Did you see? That was the guy!"
"What? Him!? Are you kidding me? He doesn't have a Vision at all!!!"
"Hissdamn, I'm so salty!"
"How is he supposed to protect Lady Tianquan without a Vision!?"
"Who was that pink-haired woman? She's stunning!"
"I don't know. Must be an important guest of Lady Ningguang..."
Suddenly, a sharp shout came from behind them!
"What are you all doing!"
It was the Chief Instructor of the Millelith. The soldiers immediately fell silent, not daring to say another word.
In the streets, a group of Millelith marched past in a flurry of movement. Once they had disappeared down the road, the sound of a folding fan snapping open could be heard.
"As the story goes..."
"At that time in Liyue, demons plagued the seas, and the evil Chi lurked in the mountains!"
"Rex Lapis gathered the Adepti to restore peace to the world!"
A storyteller stood before a tavern, recounting the events of a thousand years past. At a nearby stall, a gentleman sat quietly, sipping his tea. He wore a long brown coat and sat perfectly still. His gaze was as calm as water, like an ancient well that had remained undisturbed for a thousand years.
His amber eyes possessed a regal dignity that commanded respect, yet held a hidden strength. One glance revealed the majesty of a sovereign from a millennium ago; a second glance suggested the grace of a sunset's glow; but a third observation saw only a humble traveler wandering the mortal world.
He was the one who had guarded Liyue for thousands of yearsMorax!
However, although he was the Geo Archon, he had intentionally erased his presence, and no one around him took any notice. He pulled back his gaze from the distance, his thoughts drifting.
"To think that Tianquan Ningguang would actually stir with mortal feelings..."
"Well..."
"I hear that the Fatui Harbingers have arrived..."
"Then, the contract must be fulfilled."
"But how can a god depart in peace...?"
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).