Kiana and the Captain's Bizarre Adventure

Chapter 137 Jade Pavilion: Children, I'm Back

"Don't worry, it will definitely happen."

Yun Jin comforted her, "Actually, in my opinion, you may have already changed a bit, you just need a trigger to realize it."

Time slipped away unnoticed as the two chatted, and as dusk approached, Paimon finally couldn't help but speak up to remind them.

"Shen He! Yun Jin! Stop chatting! Let's get going! Otherwise, someone else might beat us to it!"

Yun Jin looked up at the sky and realized that time was running out, so she led everyone to the lakeside mentioned in the notes.

When the group reached the center of the lake, it was just dusk. Bathed in the setting sun, a certain spot on the south side of the lake shone with a unique radiance.

“That must be where the Mystic Stone is,” Bronya said.

Realizing this, the group immediately set off for the glowing place, where they indeed found a piece of jade-green ore, exactly as described by Old Zhang, the blacksmith from Hanfeng Ironwares, before their departure.

"Now we've found them all! Let's hurry back and report!"

After obtaining the Mystic Stone, Paimon flew happily through the air, and everyone looked at Paimon with doting eyes, who was like a child. After quickly packing up their mining tools, the group headed towards Liyue Harbor.

Along the way, everyone chatted and laughed. After a day of traveling together, Yun Jin and Kiana gradually became more familiar with each other. Shen He seemed a bit dull because of the Red Rope Soul Lock, but everyone could still sense that she had come to regard the others as her companions. Suddenly, Kong caught a glimpse of a green figure out of the corner of his eye. The figure wasn't very tall, but it was quite handsome.

It's Mandrill.

After recognizing the figure, Sora greeted the others and left. Not long after, Sora arrived in front of Xiao.

"How did you get here?" Xiao turned to Kong, who had come up to him, and asked, "Is there a solution to the dangers in the sea?"

“Dangers in the sea…” Kong was taken aback for a moment, then realized what Xiao was referring to. “There are solutions, but we can’t guarantee they will work.”

Long before participating in the commission to collect materials for rebuilding the Jade Pavilion, Kong and Paimon had traveled all over Liyue Harbor, originally intending to experience the pre-festival atmosphere, but unexpectedly they ran into Qiqi at the dock.

From Qi Qi's words, Kong learned that Qi Xing intended to send people away from the seaside and purchased a large amount of wound medicine. Originally, he thought Ning Guang had prepared it for the workers, but now it seems that it was not, but rather for the Qian Yan Army to use in the later battle against Ba Che.

Later, while searching for the Mingxia Floating Stone, they arrived at the back of the Lonely Cloud Pavilion and encountered Ke Qing, who was leading the group, as well as Gui Zhongji, who was being guarded by the Thousand Rock Army. Although Ke Qing's words were ambiguous at the time, it now seems that those so-called projects referred to the projects they would face when confronting Ba Che.

"Hmm... that's good then. As an immortal, I will not interfere in this matter for the time being. You can proceed according to your methods. If the situation truly becomes uncontrollable, I will intervene. I alone can hold the line to the death."

"elf…"

He opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He learned from Kiana that this calamity was a sequel to the Calamity of the Whirlpool Demon God, and also a test from the Immortals for the Seven Stars of Liyue.

If the Seven Stars cannot be resolved by mortals, then the immortals will step in. However, this also means that mortals are not yet ready to move forward independently. At that time, the immortals will take over the affairs of Liyue Harbor and return Liyue Harbor to the era when humans and immortals worked together.

This is something Ningguang and the others don't want to see. They finally passed the Emperor's test and Liyue entered an era of human rule. Once the immortals take over, it means that the Emperor's test will be completely nullified, and mortals will ultimately just be children born under the protection of immortals.

Both Ningguang and Keqing yearned for the true recognition of the immortals, and for this, they made countless preparations. They even went to great lengths to rebuild the Jade Pavilion, not only to have a lure to reveal Ba Che's true form, but more importantly, to have a last resort. The Jade Pavilion was one of those last resorts.

If that still doesn't solve the problem, then we'll have to ask Kiana for help. But if that doesn't work either, then we'll probably have to admit that Liyue isn't ready to go it alone yet.

After chatting briefly with Xiao, Sora returned to the party. Paimon asked Sora what he had been doing. Considering that everyone present knew the true purpose of rebuilding the Jade Pavilion, Sora recounted his conversation with Xiao.

"I see. It seems that although the immortals did not completely trust us humans, they still chose to respect us," Yun Jin said.

“After all, Master and the others are just like that—stubborn on the outside but soft on the inside,” Shen He said. “What they can’t stand the most is mortals encountering natural disasters they can’t solve.”

"Especially Master, he usually says he doesn't care about mortals, but he often sneaks off to Liyue Harbor under the guise of visiting Senior Sister to observe them. Of course, he really does visit Senior Sister, but Master always hides secretly to the side and doesn't dare to get close. Every time he comes back, he'll start complaining again."

Kiana asked with some curiosity, "What are you complaining about?"

"They said that Gan Yu doesn't care about herself at all, that she only knows how to work all day long and doesn't give herself any time to rest."

"..."

During the conversation, the group unknowingly arrived at the location of Hanfeng Ironware. After handing over the materials to Lao Zhang, Lao Zhang forged the Qianqi Core in no time.

After receiving the Thousand Wonders Core, Kong led everyone to the construction site for rebuilding the Jade Pavilion, where Ningguang's secretary, Baiwen, had been waiting for a long time.

"Ningguang's little secretary, we've gathered all the materials!"

Upon hearing Paimon's familiar voice, Baiwen turned to look at the group of people walking towards her. Even she was surprised that someone had gathered all the materials so quickly.

"Oh? So fast?" Bai Wen was surprised when he received the Thousand Wonders Core and the Immortal Talisman, but then he looked at everyone and immediately understood. "And did you all find them together... I see, I understand. The Thousand Wonders Core and the Immortal Talisman are both fine. It seems this competition is about to be decided."

After checking and finding no problems with either, Baiwen summoned all the contestants…

"I hereby announce that the three winners of this materials preparation competition are Kong, Yun Jin, and Beidou!"

These words immediately caused an uproar. No one had expected that even after rushing, they were still a step too late. Although they were resentful, they wouldn't actually cause a scene. After all, this was Ningguang's territory; who would be foolish enough to cause trouble on Ningguang's land? Wouldn't that be going against Ningguang?

As long as you want to do business peacefully in Liyue Harbor, no one will think of going against Ningguang, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue.

"Then please, the three winners, proceed to the Jade Pavilion. Lady Ningguang is already waiting up there. As for Miss Kiana and Miss Bronya, please come along as well. Lady Ningguang has something to discuss with you two."

Following Baiwen's footsteps, the group arrived at the newly built Qunyu Pavilion. The pavilion was now largely rebuilt, and the Floating Life Stones brought by Kong, Beidou, and Yunjin had been installed. All that remained was to place the Immortal Talismans and the Thousand Wonders Core in their designated positions.

"Combine the immortal talisman with the Thousand Wonders Core and place it into the control chamber of the Jade Pavilion." Ningguang explained while casting the spell, "In this way, the Jade Pavilion will be officially rebuilt. After that, retract the iron chains and it will rise into the sky."

Ningguang looked at Kong and Yun Jin and said, "You've all worked hard. Now it's my turn to fulfill my promise and give you a reward. I've heard a little about Mr. Yun's purpose in coming here. You're looking for a suitable stage for your new opera, right?"

"Indeed, does Miss Ningguang have any suggestions?"

"Since this is a new play that Mr. Yun has prepared with great care, it must be of great importance. Why not choose the newly built Qunyu Pavilion for the first test? Qunyu Pavilion is situated on a very high elevation, from which one can see all the mountains below. From the heights, one can feel the strength of the wind and observe the various aspects of human life. I think there is probably no more suitable stage for Mr. Yun's play than here."

That's true, but Kiana always felt that Ningguang was indirectly praising her own Jade Pavilion, but she had no proof.

"Thank you, Miss Ningguang. I will prepare the opera props later, and I would be grateful if you could take them with you to Qunyu Pavilion."

"Famous plays and fine music deserve this. No need to be polite."

"Kong, Shen He, Kiana, Bronya, and Paimon, I'll take my leave now. Remember to come see my show!"

After saying that, Yun Jin left. She still had a lot of preparations to make, and it wasn't really appropriate for her to stay here any longer. Now that Kong's question had been answered, it was naturally Kong's turn.

"And you, Kong? What do you want to ask me?" Ningguang asked, while also reminding me, "Let me make this clear beforehand. I don't know your sister's whereabouts either, so don't waste your time asking that question."

"Hmm... Miss Ningguang always seems to have a knack for predicting the future... In that case, it's Paimon's turn to ask!"

Paimon's tone unconsciously rose a few decibels, but just as Paimon had said, Ningguang still spoke with uncanny foresight, giving the answer Paimon wanted to ask.

"Doing business is not as easy as you think. Capital, connections, a sense of trends, a keen sense of opportunity... all of these are indispensable. If you want to ask how to make money, I will answer as agreed. But it may not be effective for you right now."

"Wow—I haven't even asked anything yet!"

"Paimon, has no one ever told you that your thoughts are easy to guess?" Kiana laughed.

"Really...really?"

Ningguang nodded and said, "Your thoughts are written all over your faces, it's easy to tell. Of course, you helped me rebuild the Jade Pavilion, which is a great favor, and I will never treat you unfairly. I can promise that if you ever need help, you can come to me for a job. As for salary and benefits, I will certainly give you the highest level of service."

"Great! Next time we run out of Mora, we can just come find Ningguang!"

With Ningguang's assurance, Paimon naturally had no more questions to ask. Now, this question could only be left to Shen He or Kiana to ask.

Seeing Kiana wave her hand at him to indicate that she didn't need it, Paimon gave the opportunity to ask the question to Shinhaku.

"Then we have no further questions. Shen He, is there anything you'd like to ask?"

"Me?" Shen He asked, puzzled.

"Yes! Because everyone gathered all the materials together!"

"More... but I really don't have any problems."

"Is that so? Then I'm afraid this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask a question will be wasted."

"How can we do this? We can't waste it! Hmm, let's think about it again..."

Paimon was undoubtedly getting anxious, and it was at this moment that Shen He slowly asked her question.

"...Miss Ningguang, do you think I can fit in at Liyue Harbor?"

“That’s an interesting question. Liyue Harbor is an inclusive city; as long as you follow its rules, it won’t turn you away. So, the important thing is whether you can feel a sense of belonging to Liyue Harbor.”

“Yes. There always has to be a reason to like a place, to integrate into a place.” Ningguang turned to look at Liyue Harbor below the Jade Pavilion and said, “Perhaps it’s because I’ve met someone here, experienced something here, or perhaps I just enjoy the atmosphere of Liyue and have gotten used to living this way.”

"In short, everyone needs a reason to stay, and I hope you can find one soon."

Ningguang made his final summary, and it was at this moment that Beidou arrived.

"Hey, you guys are chatting? I just went to the fleet and I'm late."

Paimon waved to Beidou and said, "Come on, come on, it's Beidou's turn! Does Beidou have any questions for you?"

"Me? I have nothing to ask. I was just dragged here by her to help out, and I participated in the competition on the side."

Beidou turned to face Ningguang with a serious expression and said, "Ningguang, don't forget what I told you last time. That thing is not easy to deal with, and it will be difficult for my fleet to handle it alone."

"Don't worry, I'm ready. The medicine is prepared, and the Thousand Rock Army has already gone to ambush us."

"That's good. Be careful and don't let your guard down."

"Don't worry, I specially invited Miss Kiana and Miss Bronya to come and help with this war! Of course, Kong and Paimon are also here."

"Beidou, Ningguang, are you two talking about Bache?"

"Oh?"

Ningguang looked at Paimon with some surprise, then realized where they had gotten the information. She turned and glared resentfully at Kiana beside her.

"Miss Kiana, didn't I say that you shouldn't reveal this unless absolutely necessary?"

"Well..." Kiana awkwardly fiddled with her fingers and said, "Anyway, the two of them will still be involved in the final battle, so what's the difference between finding out sooner or later!"

"Hey! Don't talk like we're some kind of unlucky bunch!" Paimon said angrily, stomping his foot in the air.

"Is not it?"

"You...! I...!"

Reflecting on their journey, Paimon was speechless. She couldn't find anything to refute Kiana's words, since, looking back, their journey hadn't been smooth sailing at all!

"Alright, let's talk about this later," Ningguang interrupted Paimon and the others. "Now we need to prepare for the launch ceremony."

So, after all the necessary items for Yun Jin were moved to the Qunyu Pavilion, the ascension ceremony officially began.