Chapter 125

After handing the deposit to Xiuhua, the Traveler immediately took Paimon and ran out, preparing to head to Yujing Terrace.

As a kind gesture, Xiuhua gave them a tourist map of the general layout of Liyue before they left, so they wouldn't get lost and fail to find the location.

"That young lady is really a good person."

The simple Paimon would always speak well of others as long as she received a little favor.

Afterward, the two ignored the calls of the rickshaw drivers on the side of the road, followed the directions on the map, bypassed the market that was several miles long, and then followed the ninety-nine-step double-layered stone stairs to truly enter the interior of Liyue Harbor.

Only then did they realize that what they had seen just now was just a drop in the bucket.

They couldn't spare the time to appreciate the grandeur of the General Affairs Office or the simplicity of the various shops.

The Traveler’s goal was very clear; she ran past the lotus pond in Feiyun Slope and finally arrived at the location of Yujing Terrace.

Perhaps their luck was rare and good.

Just as the Traveler and Paimon arrived and passed by Yuehai Pavilion, they saw a group of people being pushed by guards, continuously entering the square within the Rite of Descension.

A rough glance showed that thousands of Millelith were protecting the grand ceremony in the center of the square properly.

Except for the four stone bridge passages leading to the center, pools of clear water completely surrounded the center.

On both sides of each stone bridge stood two long pillars embroidered with cloud patterns.

Following the crowd inside, the Traveler was relatively far away, standing on tiptoes at the back.

"Hey, do you think Luo Li and the others are in the middle too?" Paimon muttered in a low voice.

Hearing this, the Traveler looked around, but there were heads everywhere; she couldn't see who was who.

After searching for a long time to no avail, she had to give up.

"Maybe they aren't in the same area as us. We'll look for them after it ends."

"Alright, but I’ll fly higher and take a look first."

Paimon still wouldn't give up and intended to fly higher to search for Luo Li’s trail.

After all, he was a good person who had let them stay for so long, and he was very easygoing to get along with.

Paimon quite liked Luo Li and Makoto.

Above Yujing Terrace!

Located at the pavilion next to Yiyan Hall, Luo Li could see the situation below very clearly.

Because the time hadn't arrived yet, they were just letting the audience in to watch the ceremony first.

The Millelith isolated the people who came below the square, holding long spears, with Zhaowu feathers on their chests, and solemn expressions.

At this important moment, they didn't dare to be the least bit careless.

Fortunately, most of the people watching the ceremony had experienced the Rite of Descension and were very obedient to the instructions.

"It’s about to start!"

Eula perked up. She had originally intended to watch the ceremony from up close, but who knew there would be so many people, so she had to give up the idea.

Noelle was different from her; her attention was entirely on searching for acquaintances.

"Where are the Traveler and Paimon? Why don't I see them? Could it be that they didn't manage to arrive in time?"

The combat maid felt a bit regretful; if they missed such a grand occasion, they would have to wait another year.

And she heard that she was looking for the god who separated the brother and sister; it would be a pity if she couldn't grasp such a good opportunity.

Luo Li raised his chin to indicate the conspicuous little thing above the crowd at the very back.

"There."

I saw that in the crowd, the Traveler with golden hair was particularly eye-catching, and Paimon, who was flying in mid-air, also stood out from the crowd.

Noelle breathed a sigh of relief. She had a good impression of the Traveler, whom she had spent a long time with. She had originally intended to draw the Geo Archon’s appearance later and give it to the Traveler, who hadn't arrived in time, for comparison.

She hadn't expected her to have arrived already, so there was no need to bother.

"I’ll go call her over later," Noelle said, feeling quite excited.

There were too many people below now; even if she shouted, they wouldn't hear her, and with such a solemn atmosphere, it wouldn't allow her to shout and scream.

Luo Li, on the other hand, thought that there would be no chance for her to call the Traveler over later. The moment this person arrived in Liyue, she had already stepped into the whirlpool of various forces and was unable to help herself.

The Fatui, Morax, and the Tianquan—they all regarded her as a pawn they wanted to use.

However, he wasn't in a hurry at all. As the Traveler gradually awakened her power, ordinary people couldn't pose a threat to her at all.

Even a Harbinger who mastered divine authority was the same.

So, just be a spectator, occasionally provide a little help, and let her understand for herself what this journey was for.

And what kind of answer she would eventually reach.

Would it be like her brother, leading the Abyss, overthrowing the Heavenly Principles, and restoring the kingdom, or would she walk a different path?

At the same time.

Located directly in front of Yiyan Hall, the unlucky person in charge of presiding over the ceremony—Tianquan Ningguang—was directing various places with a solemn expression.

Her white-gold hair, smooth as silk, was rolled up with a black-gold hairpin. The red tassels on her forehead echoed with her pupils, and the golden cheongsam embroidered with golden phoenixes in three colors set off the noble and luxurious beauty.

As she walked, one could occasionally catch a glimpse of the red tattoo on the Tianquan’s leg through the skirt.

Everyone who saw her would give her the most respectful gaze...

After all, for Ningguang, the great merchant in charge of laws, every decree she formulated involved the thoughts of all the merchants in Liyue.

Any move she made would surely bring joy to some and sorrow to others.

Besides that, her suitors were all over the seven nations, stretching from Chihu Rock to Yujing Terrace.

In addition, she was also known as the person who mastered all the secrets of Liyue Harbor.

Someone once said, "Tianquan Ningguang, wealthy in all directions, bright eyes and good looks, peach blossoms and apricot blossoms are ashamed, eyes and ears are connected, everything is handled."

The world knows that among the Liyue the Liyue Qixing, the Tianquan is the most respected.

And now, this respected and admired Ningguang was showing a seriousness that was not quite like before.

"Baishi, Baiwen, Baixiao, have you arranged everything?"

Supporting her chest with one hand, she instructed the three exclusive little secretaries behind her, and Ningguang confirmed again whether there were any omissions.

Baiwen hurriedly replied: "Lady Ningguang, everything is ready. There are no mistakes or omissions. We have verified it repeatedly."

Nodding slightly, Ningguang extended her little finger, which was wearing a metal nail, and placed it on her cheek, looking at the sky.

"Wait a few more hours. When it reaches noon, the Rite of Descension will begin. Notify everyone to be prepared in advance."

The three little secretaries acted immediately.

Ningguang herself closed her eyes to rest, waiting for time to move slowly.

Clouds came and wind went. As the sunlight gradually became stronger, the emotions of the audience watching the ceremony outside the square were not dampened, but became even more enthusiastic and excited.

Despite the commotion, it didn't seem noisy.

Perhaps in this place where the gods descended, everyone knew to remain solemn.

After all, those who didn't follow the rules couldn't get in and had long been thrown outside.

Thus, until a certain time, Ningguang opened her eyes gently and stared at the sky.

There wasn't a single cloud in the blue sky. For this important day, she had even driven the Jade Chamber several kilometers away from Liyue Harbor.

Seeing the bright sun move to the middle bit by bit, Ningguang finally spoke under the expectation of everyone.

"The time has come. The Rite of Descension! Begin!"

...