Kiana and the Captain's Bizarre Adventure

Chapter 135 Untitled – Tang Dynasty, Li Shangyin (doge)

"That's all I wanted to ask of you. Since Immortal Fu Hua is an immortal and it's not convenient for her to intervene in this crisis, she specifically recommended you, Kiana, to help me."

After hearing Ningguang's description, Kiana also understood why Ningguang had sent a letter this time. It turned out that after the Demon God Oser was sealed again last time, the last follower of the Whirlpool Demon God, who was also his wife, Bazha, appeared in the sea within Liyue.

Thanks to Beidou's keen awareness of ocean changes, it alerted Ningguang several months ago. The reason for rebuilding Qunyu Pavilion before the Lantern Festival was to resolve this potential problem before the festival.

The purpose of the Jade Pavilion was to lure Ba Che out, since Aosai was sealed again by the energy of the previous Jade Pavilion. It was only natural that Ba Che hated the Jade Pavilion.

As for Fu Hua, she came to Gu Yun Pavilion by chance, where she sensed Ba Che's aura and immediately wanted to take action to resolve this hidden crisis.

Unfortunately, it was stopped. Several months earlier, Xiao, who was patrolling the coast, had sensed Ba Che's presence and then informed the immortals that Ba Che had infiltrated Liyue. After discussion, the immortals unanimously decided to use it as a test for the Liyue Seven Stars.

They wanted to see if Liyue, now under human rule and far from the protection of the immortals, could withstand the test from the demon gods' familiars. In any case, with them as a backup, they didn't have to worry about Liyue Harbor being destroyed. However, if the situation progressed to the point where the immortals had to intervene, it would mean that Liyue was not yet ready to enter the so-called era of human rule. At that time, the immortals would intervene in Liyue's development.

Although a conclusion was reached during the discussion, considering the presence of Fu Hua as a relative and the wandering immortals, in order to ensure the plan's smooth progress, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhen Jun immediately set off to search for Fu Hua's whereabouts after the discussion.

Unfortunately, Liyue is still a bit too old. Every time Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun manages to miss Fu Hua at a subtle moment, but fortunately, he still manages to find her before Fu Hua can make a move.

After the explanation from Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun, Fu Hua understood the immortals' intentions and stopped. However, she couldn't bear to see the people of Liyue facing Ba Che alone.

So when Ningguang announced the reconstruction of the Jade Pavilion, Fu Hua arrived. She brought a large amount of materials needed to build the Jade Pavilion, which is why the Jade Pavilion was able to gather a large amount of materials in a short time. Now, only the three most crucial materials are left to complete the reconstruction. She also suggested that Ningguang find a way to involve Kiana in the project.

For humanity, finding allies isn't always a viable solution when facing a crisis that can't be resolved alone. Ningguang naturally understood this, but with Kiana currently in Inazuma, getting Kiana to arrive quickly wouldn't be easy.

Fu Hua reassured her that there was no need to worry; Ningguang only needed to write a letter and send it to Inazuma. Kiana would handle the rest.

This proved to be true. Considering the time elapsed since Ningguang sent the letter, it was only enough time for the letter to reach Kiana. However, Kiana has already arrived, which suggests that Kiana possesses some abilities that Ningguang is unaware of.

As for Ningguang's request to Kiana, it was quite simple: she and Bronya should claim the materials Fu Hua had brought on Fu Hua's behalf. After all, as a sage, Fu Hua couldn't directly intervene; she only thought of this after seeing that Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun had sent his disciple to help.

However, because she brought too many materials, it was inappropriate for Bronya to make the announcement alone, so the idea of ​​bringing Kiana over was born. Most importantly, Kiana could serve as a backup to ensure that the Sage wouldn't intervene. After all, before actually fighting Bronya, Fu Hua didn't know if Bronya could defeat the Demon God's familiar, so bringing Kiana along was the safest option just in case.

"I see, I understand now. Since it's the class monitor's request, I naturally won't refuse. But do you need my help to find the remaining materials?"

Hearing Kiana's words, Ningguang breathed a sigh of relief: "That's not necessary. I've already gathered all the merchants in Liyue to search for the remaining materials. As for the Celestial Talismans, they should be delivered by Miss Shenhe, who is a member of the Celestial Clan. As for the Thousand Spirits, which are the core of the Jade Pavilion, there are naturally people in Liyue Harbor who can make them. Careful people will surely be able to find out who I commissioned to make them."

"As for the Mingxia Floating Stone that can lift up the entire Qunyu Pavilion, although it is rare, it is not impossible to buy it on the market. If you are lucky enough, you can find one in the wild... Of course, if Miss Kiana finds all this interesting, she can try to find it herself, as a form of entertainment before the final battle."

"That sounds interesting. Bronya, would you be interested in going on an adventure with me?"

"That's possible, Mei, what do you think?"

"I have some things to take care of, so I won't be traveling with you."

“Me too,” Yae no Miko said.

Ningguang glanced at Mei and Yae no Miko, beginning to speculate about their purpose for visiting. She knew Mei, as Mei had visited during the last Moon Festival, and she understood Mei's identity as the goddess who governs Inazuma. However, Mei had secretly told her before leaving that she didn't like special treatment and hoped that Ningguang wouldn't go through those formalities next time.

Ningguang had neglected Mei this time because of important matters, and initially thought Mei would be displeased, but it seems she's fine. However, what was unexpected was that this Miss Bronya also knew General Raiden; it seems Fu Hua's acquaintances are all quite extraordinary!

As for Yae no Miko, Ningguang knew her well. After all, although Raiden no Shogun was in charge of Inazuma on the surface, those in high positions knew that this familiar of the Raiden God, the priest of Narukami Shrine—Yae no Miko—was the one who secretly managed everything in Inazuma.

However, this time, the person who came with Kiana and Mei didn't seem to be there on official business, and seemed to be a very approachable person. But Ningguang knew that people like Yae no Miko, who always had a smiling face, were usually two-faced, and no one knew how many little thoughts were hidden in her heart.

It seemed she was going to lose countless hairs again. Ningguang sighed wearily and ordered everyone to leave. Sitting at her desk, Ningguang picked up a document and began to read it, her head throbbing.

After coming out, Yae Miko originally planned to ask Gan Yu to accompany her to browse the bookstore, but after finding out about Gan Yu's office and going in, Yae Miko looked at the mountain of documents next to Gan Yu and decided that it would be better to go by herself and not disturb Gan Yu's work.

only…

"The remnants of the Whirlpool Demon God... It seems Liyue has truly suffered many misfortunes."

Yae no Miko put the book she had finished reading back on the bookshelf and murmured to herself. After reading for a while, Yae no Miko also understood the novel market in Liyue, and at the same time, she understood why the novel "The Autumn Sword Record" was very popular in Inazuma but unknown in the native Liyue.

After all, unlike the more fast-paced and entertaining light novels, the books in Liyue are more literary and classical, so it's no wonder that Shenqiu Shijianlu, which has a style more like a light novel, is not so famous in Liyue.

However, this would probably have to postpone her plans to promote her light novels for a while. While worrying about how to promote her light novels, Yae Miko pulled out another novel from the bookshelf and started reading.

At the same time, Mei also spotted Zhongli listening to a story in her familiar seat at Sanwanbugugang. Naturally, she had come to find Zhongli.

"I wonder what business General Thunder has with me?"

Zhongli put down his teacup and turned to look at Mei. At this moment, there were very obvious points of light in Mei's pupils. Then Mei spoke.

"Morax, long time no see."

Yes, this time, Mei's consciousness is residing within her. Since consciousness could truly reside within Mei's body back then, there's no reason why Kage, as a descendant of the Twin Demon Gods, couldn't do the same.

So, while Mei was focused on her dream, Shadow's consciousness successfully took over Mei's body for a period of time. Shadow's reason for seeking out Zhong Li was to obtain some information from him.

However, Zhongli refused after hearing Ying's request.

"I'm sorry, Shadow. I can't tell you this information."

Is it because of the contract?

"That's right. Because of the contract, there are many things I can't say explicitly or hint at. But if you want to investigate, I can draw up a contract with you and accompany you."

"Is it really okay?"

"I was just helping my fellow travelers understand something. What I saw and experienced on the road was just what I saw and heard during the trip. How could that be considered a breach of contract?"

It has to be said that Zhongli's suggestion was indeed very tempting, but Ying didn't have the energy to travel right now. After closing her eyes and thinking for a moment, Ying gave her answer.

"forget it."

"Why?"

"As you can see, this body is not mine. I have turned the original body into a doll to manage Inazuma in my place. I no longer have a physical body to walk on Teyvat. Mei is from outside the world and will leave sooner or later. I cannot occupy her body for a long time for my own reasons."

"That's true. As an alternative, I can suggest you go find Kiana. Perhaps you can get the answer you're looking for from her."

“Kiana…” Shadow murmured, pondering the name. “Is there anything special about her?”

"I can't say that. What I can tell you is that there is an inevitable connection between her and the laws of nature. The future of Teyvat may or may not be related to her. It all depends on her will."

"...I understand, thank you for your explanation."

After saying that, Ying got up, drank the tea she had just ordered in one gulp, and left without looking back. Zhongli sat in his seat, silently sipping his tea, and then he called the waiter to settle the bill.

"Mr. Zhongli has a total of 30,000 Mora. Is this the same as usual?"

"Okay, please send the bill to the Hall of Rebirth."

"Got it!"

After paying the bill, Zhongli left Sanwanbuguogang. Looking up at the construction site where Qunyu Pavilion was located, Zhongli's eyes flickered a few times.

"I never imagined it would come to this. Kiana, your fate is ultimately tied to Teyvat, isn't it?"

No one could answer Zhongli's question, and his words would eventually dissipate like a wisp of wind. For a moment, Zhongli's figure seemed somewhat lonely, and his voice drifted slowly from afar.

"I wanted to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but alas..."

Meanwhile, Kiana brought Bronya to Tianheng Mountain. According to Ningguang's hint, both types of ore needed for the Thousand Star Core could be found in Tianheng Mountain. Although the Shattered Star Iron Ore was rare, it had the property of resonating with the Eye of God, so it was relatively easy to find.

What Ningguang didn't know was that neither Kiana nor Bronya possessed the true Eye of God, so they didn't have a simple way to find Shattered Star Iron Ore.

As for the Mystic Stone, it's more difficult to find. It doesn't have the property of resonating with the Eye of God, making it even more challenging to locate. Although a small amount of Mystic Stones circulates on the market, they are often priceless and unavailable. The last time Mystic Stones appeared on the market was when Ningguang built the Jade Pavilion.

However, according to the information Ningguang gathered, the people around Tianheng Mountain possess some kind of secret method to pinpoint the location of the Mystic Stones. In the past, most of the Mystic Stones on the market came from the Tianheng Mountain area, but those people have long since moved away, and Ningguang doesn't have any accurate information on the matter. So, Kiana and the others can only try their luck.

Anyway, for Ningguang, who has seen Mystic Stone before, it is quite simple to identify whether the mineral brought over is Mystic Stone.

It was here that Kiana and her companions met Sora and the others. Through Sora's introduction, Kiana also met the people who were with her.

First was Shen He, a disciple of the immortal with silver hair, and then there was Yun Jin, who also wanted Ning Guang to answer her question.

As for why Yun Jin, who is a woman, is called Mr. Yun, it is because Yun Jin is the head of the opera troupe [Yun Han She], and not only that, but she is also a rising star! Even Zhong Li, who is very picky about opera, praised her highly, not to mention that most of the people who come to the He Yu Tea House, which is affiliated with Yun Han She, to listen to opera are Yun Jin's fans.

Most importantly, Yun Jin was not only a singer, but also a playwright. Every play she wrote became a huge hit, earning her the respectful title of "Master" from the world.

Yun Jin's trip was also related to her new play, and she hoped to find out from Ning Guang where it could be used as the premiere stage.

After all, this new play is her father's painstaking work. Although it's not good to talk about her employer like that, this new play—Goddess Splitting Temple and Yu Tea House—is indeed not suitable as the stage for its premiere.

However, it's quite a coincidence that the legend of "The Goddess Splitting the Temple" took place near Tianheng Mountain. After returning to Tianheng Mountain, Yun Jin couldn't help but sigh that this place truly seemed to be a place where immortals were active, and it's no wonder that the legend of "The Goddess Splitting the Temple" would appear here.

Before meeting Kiana and the others, Paimon was curious about the story of "The Goddess Splits the Temple" and wanted Yun Jin to tell it to her. Kiana was also curious about this, so Yun Jin told her the story of "The Goddess Splits the Temple" again.