I live a slow life in Genshin Impact

The bustle and bustle of the Lantern Festival surged like a tide, then gradually receded. The bright lights and bustling crowds of Liyue Harbor were certainly enchanting, but it was ultimately a bustling harbor, a gathering place for visitors from all corners of the world. For Feng Luo, the tranquility and care deeply ingrained in his heart remained forever tied to the land of Qingce, shrouded in mist and surrounded by terraced fields.

Feng Luo stopped and turned to face his companions, who were still immersed in the festive cheer. Ying and Paimeng were huddled together, pointing and talking at the snack stalls, enthusiastically discussing the legendary Lantern Festival-only midnight snacks at Wanmin Hall.

"I heard there's all-you-can-eat golden shrimp balls!" Paimon floated in the air, gesturing excitedly with his hands, his saliva practically dripping. "There's also a special drink made with slime gel, although it's a limited flavor..."

"Paimeng, it's better to try that drink with caution," Ying smiled and shook her head. She caught a glimpse of Feng Luo from the corner of her eye and waved at him, "Feng Luo, are you really not going with us? It would be a pity to miss Xiangling's craftsmanship."

Upon hearing this, Yidou, who was standing by, immediately grabbed Feng Luo's neck and shouted in a voice so loud that it almost dispelled the surrounding noise: "That's right, brother! Don't leave in such a hurry! I just heard that if you eat ten plates of three-stranded silk, you can participate in the big stomach challenge. The prize is a rare ghost beetle fighting cage! If you and I join forces, we will definitely kill them all! Let's go!"

Feng Luo was strangled by him, and he struggled to break free, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He patted Yidou's sturdy arm and said, "I appreciate your kindness. But my bag is too heavy, so I have to go back and deal with it first. Besides," he paused, his voice gentle but firm, "someone in Qingce Manor is waiting for news from me. I've been out for so long, I should go back and report that I'm safe."

"Well... okay, okay, family is important!" Yidou felt regretful but also cheerful. He patted Feng Luo's back vigorously and said, "It's a deal then! Next time we meet, you have to treat me to the best tofu in Qingce Village! And you have to accompany me to fight insects!"

"Okay, okay, I will." Feng Luo agreed with a smile.

Paimon flew over, his little face full of anticipation: "It's a deal then, Feng Luo! After the Lantern Festival, we'll go to Qingce Manor to play with you! You have to take us to pick the freshest Qingxin and fish for sea bass in the Bishui River!"

Ying also stepped forward with a warm smile: "Well, it's a deal. I've always wanted to take a closer look at the scenery of Qingce Manor. Be careful on the road, Feng Luo."

"Don't worry." Feng Luo nodded. "When the time comes, I'll take you to eat the preserved pork with preserved vegetables made by Grandma Ruoxin. That's the real taste of Liyue. I'll be waiting for you."

After making a promise to meet up with Ying and Paimeng, Feng Luo turned his gaze to Shen He, who had been standing quietly by the side. She didn't join in the noisy discussion, but simply watched quietly. Her icy blue eyes seemed even deeper under the flickering light, reflecting his figure clearly, flowing with a complex and inexpressible emotion, as if she had something to say, but habitually remained silent.

She took an imperceptible half step forward, her lips moved slightly, her voice so soft it almost disappeared in the wind: "You... are going back alone? Although the journey is not far, traveling at night might be disturbed by monsters. I..."

Feng Luo understood what she meant, and a slight warmth warmed his heart, but he still gently interrupted her, shaking his head. "Don't worry about me, Shen He. I've walked this road for many years, and I'm very familiar with it. You should stay in Liyue Harbor and experience the Lantern Festival. It's... a worldly spectacle, worth seeing." He paused, his tone softer. "Next time you come to Qingce Manor, I'll take you to see the sunrise over the sea of ​​clouds in Jueyunjian. The scenery there is completely different and magnificent from the lights of Liyue Harbor."

Shen He listened quietly, the slight ripple in her eyes gradually subsiding, transforming into a quiet acceptance. She nodded slightly, saying no more, but her gaze remained on him, as if silently bidding him farewell.

After bidding farewell to all his companions, Feng Luo slung the heavy bag—which contained not only Mora and ore, but also the memories and friendships of their shared battles—straight onto his shoulders. He glanced back at the brightly lit Liyue Harbor and his companions, then turned and, with determined steps, set out on the journey home.

The hustle and bustle behind him receded like a tide, and the mountain road ahead was bathed in the clear moonlight. He knew that no matter what the road ahead held, this bond and promise had become as solid as a rock, an indelible part of his life, and a warm light that illuminated his way home.

The further northwest we traveled, the more distant the hustle and bustle of Liyue Harbor became, gradually replaced by the whisper of the wilderness wind and the clearer chirping of insects and birds. Passing through the ruins of Guiliyuan, the vicissitudes of history were etched in the wind. Going upstream along the Bishui River, the water shimmered in the moonlight, reflecting the scattered lanterns that had not yet fully dissipated in the sky, like stars drifting down to earth.

When he finally set foot on the land of Qingce Village, he took a deep breath. The familiar air, a mixture of the fragrance of bamboo leaves, the sweet fragrance of ripe fruits and vegetables, and the scent of moist soil, instantly filled his lungs, washing away the last trace of fatigue and tension.

Qingce Manor at night offers a completely different beauty from Liyue Harbor. There's no towering splendor or deafening bustle, only scattered, warm lights, like the gently closed eyes of a sleeping giant, quietly scattered among the wooden buildings and covered bridges nestled against the mountainside. The slow, rhythmic creaking of the massive waterwheel, propelled by the stream, is a timeless lullaby to this land. The terraced fields shimmer softly in the moonlight, and the rustling of the rice paddies in the evening breeze brings a peaceful atmosphere of a bountiful harvest.

He walked up the bluestone path with familiarity, not disturbing the elderly who might still be chatting at the village entrance. Passing by Grandma Ruoxin's house, warm candlelight shone through the window lattice, and he could faintly hear her softly humming an ancient ballad. A few sparrows, startled by his footsteps, flapped their wings and flew up from the bamboo forest, only to quickly descend into a deeper peace.

His home was higher up in the villa, on a terrace with a panoramic view, nestled against a lush bamboo forest and facing the terraced rice paddies and the hazy mountains in the distance. A simple wooden structure, it was immaculately maintained. Dried pickled meat and strings of chili peppers hung from the eaves, and pots of water-loving qingxin (Chinese peony) sat on the windowsill, swaying gently in the night breeze.

Pushing open the door, the familiar scent of dried herbs and wooden furniture greeted him. He carefully placed the heavy bag on his shoulders in the corner. The morra and ore made a dull but reassuring clinking sound. He didn't immediately tidy up, but walked to the window and pushed it open.

Suddenly, the tranquil nightscape of Qingce Mountain Villa unfolded before his eyes like a painting. In the distance, scattered lights echoed with the last few stars in the sky, refusing to extinguish. Nearby, puddles in the terraced fields reflected a fragmented moon, and fireflies, holding tiny lanterns, danced among the grass. The evening breeze gently caressed his cheek, bringing with it the gurgling song of the mountain stream and the delicate fragrance of unknown wildflowers.

The fight with the giant beast in the ruins during the day, the bustling crowds in Liyue Harbor, the undercurrent conversation with Ye Lan... everything seemed to be washed and smoothed by the gentle night and the tranquil mountain breeze, and settled into a determination deep in the heart to protect this peace.

He pulled from his bag the dark metal plates, covered in mysterious patterns, he had found in the treasure chest. He carefully examined them in the moonlight and the starlight outside the window. The patterns were ancient and strange, indeed bearing the style of the Xumi Desert, but also seemed to be mixed with some more obscure elements that he could not understand. Ye Lan's warning echoed in his ears. Layered Abyss, Xumi Machinery, Fatui... these words, taken together, pointed to an uneasy feeling of impending disaster.

But now, on this land that had given him life and nurtured him, amidst this eternal tranquility, his uneasiness was well contained. If an enemy comes, we will meet him with our troops; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. Liyue had weathered countless storms and had long since learned to enjoy peace while always being prepared for challenges.

He tucked the metal plate deep into his bag. He could consult the village's old craftsman tomorrow, or ask someone to ask the knowledgeable guest official at the Wangsheng Hall. For now, he just wanted to enjoy this rare moment of quiet.

Outside the window, the moon gradually rose, casting its light across the entire villa. The water in the terraced fields shone even brighter, like pieces of polished jade. The bamboo forest rustled, like the whispers of lovers.

Feng Luo leaned against the window, letting exhaustion slowly wash over him like a tide. Yet, his mind felt strangely relaxed and clear. He knew the road ahead was still long, and the shadows of darkness wouldn't dissipate easily. But no matter how far he traveled, or how fierce the battles he endured, the moonlight, the rustling of bamboo, and the fragrance of rice at Qingce Manor would always be a place where he could let go of all his defenses and rest his weary body and soul.

This is the starting point and also the end point.

He gently closed his eyes, listening to the land's breathing, and fell into a long-awaited, dreamless sleep. In the distant sky, the last lantern slowly dimmed, as if merging all prayers and light into the gentle yet resilient land of Liyue.

(Finish)