Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

After Keqing's departure, the courtyard felt as if a tense string had been removed, and a lazy peace once again flowed through the air. Lin Huan poured the remaining tea into the roots of the seven-mile osmanthus in the corner of the courtyard and was about to bend down to pick up the ceramic cup that Yaoyao had left behind yesterday when a sound, completely different from Yuhengxing's steady knock on the door, came from outside the wall, approaching from afar, rushing in like urgent thunder.

That sound was the boy's clear and undisguised cheer, mixed with the accompaniment of the rustling of pages as he ran, and -

"boom!"

The gate of the courtyard was suddenly pushed open by a force with the scent of green grass and ink, hitting the pomegranate tree inside and shaking off a few bright red petals.

“Sister Lin Huan——!”

Xingqiu, like a gentle breeze swirling with mountain mist and morning dew, swept directly before Lin Huan. He wore no elaborate family attire today, only a narrow-sleeved, sky-blue casual attire, its hem embroidered with dark cloud patterns, which swayed like flowing water as he ran. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, a few strands of blue hair clung to his cheeks, but his amber eyes shone with a startling brightness, as if capturing the entire shimmering waters of Yunlai Sea.

In his hand, he held high a scroll that had obviously been copied not long ago and still exuded the fragrance of ink. The cover was made of slightly rough Inazuma Japanese paper, with a few large and flamboyant characters written on it: "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Inazuma Chapter".

"Look, look!" He barely caught his breath when he thrust the book almost to Lin Huan's nose. "This is a sample copy sent urgently by Yaetang! It was brought back by Sister Beidou's fleet! These illustrations, this plot, and especially this 'Unthinking Blade', which I transformed into the description of the final move of my 'Cloud Coming Sword Technique,' 'Flowing Moon Shocking Rainbow'... I think it's a stroke of genius!"

Lin Huan stumbled back slightly at his rapid-fire words. Seeing his cheeks flushed with excitement and the pure fire in his eyes, burning with pure creativity, the heavy historical weight that had settled over him during his conversation with Keqing suddenly dissipated, like morning mist meeting the sun. She reached out, not to take the book, but to wipe the sweat from Xingqiu's forehead with the corner of her sleeve.

"Speak slower, you're sweating." Her voice was filled with laughter, like spring water melting ice. "It's a masterpiece, so it deserves careful appreciation. Being so hasty doesn't betray the chivalrous spirit within the words."

Xingqiu chuckled sheepishly, then stood up straight. Still eagerly turning the page, he pointed to an illustration. "Sister, look! This scene, 'The Falling Scarlet Cherry Blossoms Awaken the Sword Heart,' I drew inspiration from the concept of 'observing things in stillness' you mentioned last time... And here, 'Thunderbolt and Rain Cleanse the Dust,' I channeled the might of the Thunder God into the sword's power. Isn't that more engaging than simply describing the thunder and lightning?"

Lin Huan followed his fingertip and saw a painting of a knight standing still, sword in hand, amidst a swirl of crimson cherry blossoms. A faint purple light of thunder shone in the background. The artistic conception was surprisingly in tune with the essence of martial arts. She nodded, praising him wholeheartedly, "The painting captures both form and spirit, and its profound meaning is profound. Our Young Master Xingqiu's writing skills are truly improving."

Xingqiu's face lit up at the compliment. He closed the book and suddenly leaned closer, a mixture of flattery and cunning on his face, like a cat calculating how to get some dried fish.

"Um... Sister Lin Huan," he said, his voice softening, a hint of coquettishness in his voice, "I've finished writing the book, and there hasn't been much new happening in Liyue Harbor lately... I heard that although Inazuma's isolation order hasn't been completely lifted, trade and cultural exchanges have eased considerably. Yaetang's invitation is also intended to promote exchanges..."

He paused, blinking his eyes, and threw out his ultimate goal:

"How about we... go to Inazuma and have some fun?"

"Play?" Lin Huan raised his eyebrows and looked at him.

"Of course it's 'study tour'! Study tour!" Xingqiu immediately became serious and brought out the excuse he had already prepared. "Read a thousand books and travel a thousand miles! I'm going to collect materials and find inspiration for the next installment of 'The Legend of the Jade Hero's Shadow'! Sister, you've lived in Liyue for a long time, don't you want to see Inazuma today, the legendary Rongcai Festival, the thousand-year-old cherry blossoms at Mingjin Taisha Shrine, and... uh, try some authentic three-colored dumplings and fried tofu?"

He was talking in a grandiose manner and gesturing with his hands when a small and exquisite volume of "Inazuma's Chronicles: Food" fell out of his sleeve with a "click". It was obvious that he came prepared.

Seeing his serious expression, Lin Huan finally couldn't help but burst out laughing. The sound was clear and melodious, like the gentle tapping of jade, dispelling the last trace of gloom. She bent down to pick up the local history book, her fingertips brushing against the alluring illustration of a dumpling on the cover, and shook her head.

"I think the source material is fake, and your greed is the real trouble."

"Both, both!" Xingqiu saw her smile and knew the plan was almost done, so he immediately took advantage of the situation. "Sister, just come with me! With you, I'll have someone to look after me along the way. I've already taken care of the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce. Beidou's ship, the Death Star, will sail to the outlying islands early next month, just in time for the Rongcai Festival! I hear there'll be a bard from Mondstadt performing there, too!"

He pulled Lin Huan's sleeve and shook it gently, his eyes earnest, making it hard to refuse.

Sunlight filtered through the pomegranate tree, casting dappled, flickering spots of light on him. The youthful enthusiasm and vigor seemed to carry a warm energy all its own. Lin Huan looked at Xingqiu, fresh, lively, and filled with boundless curiosity about the future. Then, thinking of her own mind, freshly touched by memories of the past, she suddenly felt that this "study tour" might be exactly what she needed right now.

Staying away from the heavy past, stepping into a newly born country, accompanying this young man who has only poetry, distant places and delicious food in his eyes... This in itself is a kind of healing.

She pondered for a moment, and under Xingqiu's increasingly expectant gaze, she finally nodded slowly, a light and genuine smile spreading across her lips.

"it is good."

It was just one word, but Xingqiu felt as if he had received an imperial decree and almost jumped for joy.

"Great! I'll get ready right away! I'll have to rethink the wording on the visiting cards to Miss Kamisato and Yae-miyaji... What Liyue specialties should I bring to Mr. Thomas? Oh, and I'll also need some more Mora. I heard Inazuma's lacquerware and trinkets are quite unique..."

He had already started planning on his own, speaking as fast as jumping beans, circling in the yard, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes clapping his hands and chuckling. His vigorous energy brightened up the entire yard.

Lin Huan leaned against the door, watching him busily daydream with a gentle gaze. A gentle breeze blew by, bringing with it the clean scent of soap nuts and the fragrance of ink from books. She looked up at the clear blue sky, where a few drifting clouds drifted leisurely south, heading in what seemed to be Inazuma's direction.

Although the stagnant feeling of the rocks in my heart had not disappeared, it was blown open by the sudden breeze called "Autumn", allowing some light and fresh air to penetrate.

The next journey is filled with crimson cherry blossoms and sea breeze, poetry and delicious food, and a joyful journey of a young man in the world of martial arts.

She let out a light breath, as if she was temporarily letting go of the hustle and bustle of five hundred years.