Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

The sea breeze from Inazuma Island carried an aroma distinct from that of Liyue Harbor. A unique blend of damp water vapor, delicate crimson cherry blossoms, and faint, imperceptible particles of lightning announced the arrival of a mysterious land. A merchant ship slowly entered the harbor. Lin Huan stood at the side, his gaze cast calmly upon this land, both familiar and unfamiliar. In the distance, Yingxiang Mountain loomed in the swirling purple mist. The castle tower atop the mountain resembled a giant blade piercing the clouds, emanating a majestic and serene aura.

The port was already bustling. Unlike the bustling Liyue Harbor, which was filled with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the hustle and bustle of the outlying islands carried a somewhat restrained busyness, bound by an invisible order.

As the boat came to a stop, a meticulously crafted wooden sign, inscribed "Welcome Liyue Zhenyu Teacher," appeared prominently among the crowd. Holding the sign was a young, bespectacled editor in a Yaedo uniform, accompanied by several staff members, their faces brimming with enthusiastic yet measured professional smiles.

"Teacher Makutama! Please come this way!" The editor immediately recognized Xingqiu's unique demeanor and stepped forward quickly, his words filled with the respect of a cultured person and the joy of meeting a renowned author. "I'm Nakano, editor of Yaedo. I've been ordered by the chief priest to arrange everything for you. Your itinerary in Inazuma, your accommodations, and all matters related to the Rongcai Festival are all ready."

Xingqiu's eyes immediately lit up with excitement, the fatigue of the journey vanishing. He turned and smiled at Lin Huan and Ying, then, with a youthful curiosity about unknown cultural territories, hurried over to meet them. He quickly engaged in a conversation with Editor Nakano about Inazuma's publishing style and interesting anecdotes about its readers.

It was at this moment that a warmer and more familiar figure came over like sunshine penetrating the crowd, with a reassuring smile.

"Ms. Lin Huan, Ying, Paimeng, thank you for your hard work along the way."

It was Thomas. He was still neatly dressed, his golden eyes gleaming with genuine joy. He held no sign, but his presence, like a magnet, instantly transformed the atmosphere of an "official reception" into the warmth of a "reunion of old friends."

"Thomas!" Paimon was the first to fly up and greet him. "How did you know we were on this ship?"

Thomas smiled heartily, revealing his white teeth: "For me, in Inazuma, especially on the outlying islands, it is not difficult to find out when friends will arrive." As he spoke, his eyes first politely swept over Xingqiu, who was talking to the editor of Yaedo, and then fell steadily on Lin Huan, his eyes carrying a deeper, tacit greeting.

"Young Master Xingqiu's colleagues at Yajō-do will take care of everything, so please rest assured." Thomas leaned over and gestured "please," his tone natural and cordial. "The young lady knows you've all been tired from your journey, so she's instructed me to prepare tea and some light snacks at the Mulou Teahouse to welcome you. I hope you'll enjoy it."

The four characters "Mulou Teahouse" were like a code, instantly dispelling any sense of alienation in a foreign country. It was not only a safe base, but also a symbol of friendship.

Lin Huan nodded slightly, a faint but genuine smile spreading across his lips. "Thank you for Miss Linghua's concern, and thank you for your hard work, Thomas."

On the way to the Mulou Teahouse, Toma familiarly described the local customs along the way, his tone relaxed. But Lin Huan's gaze lingered on details he had never seen in Liyue—the charms wrapped in shimenawa ropes that stood quietly on street corners; the wind chimes hung from the eaves of residents' houses to ward off evil spirits; and the ubiquitous crimson cherry blossoms, blooming in an almost mournful glory. All of this silently spoke of the unique soul of this country and the heavy burden it carries.

Her silence was keenly captured by Thomas.

When turning a relatively quiet street corner, Thomas slowed down his pace slightly and walked side by side with Lin Huan. His voice was lowered, with a hint of imperceptible solemnity.

"Miss Lin Huan," he said softly, looking forward, "Before I leave, in addition to your instructions, there is one more thing... The Palace Master also specifically conveyed a message to me."

Lin Huan did not stop, but his eyelashes moved slightly.

Thomas continued, his tone perfectly balanced, conveying his meaning without sounding overly aggressive. "The Palace Administrator said the General has been feeling restless lately, and is quite interested in the direction of Inazuma's current situation. He heard an old friend was visiting, and he'd like to host a tea party at the castle tower. He'd like to invite you to chat and discuss over tea."

coming.

Lin Huan's heart calmed slightly, like a stone dropped into a deep pool. What was meant to come would eventually come. This wasn't an invitation; it was an undeniable "scrutiny" from the gods.

She didn't answer immediately, her eyes swept across a thunder cherry blossom in full bloom, watching the fragile petals tremble in the air filled with micro-electricity.

"Inazuma's thunder cherry blossoms always bloom with such determination," she suddenly said, her voice so soft she seemed to be whispering to herself, "as if they were burning away all the beauty of their lives in an instant, with a kind of heroic abandon that disregarded the consequences."

Thomas was startled for a moment, then he understood. He heard the double entendre.

Lin Huan stopped and turned to look at Thomas. Her eyes were clear and calm, like the sea before a storm.

"Please convey this to the Palace Master, and express my gratitude to the General on his behalf." Her voice had returned to its usual gentleness, yet it held an undeniable power. "It is an honor for me to have been invited by the General. While I do not deserve the honor, I wish to see the General in person and experience the power of eternity."

She showed no fear or excitement, but simply accepted the challenge calmly. This composure made Thomas's eyes flash with a subtle admiration.

"As for this 'wind'..." Lin Huan's lips curled up in a faint, ethereal arc. "The wind starts from the tip of a blade of duckweed, and the waves form from the ripples. The wind blowing in Inazuma today may not have come from an external source, but rather a deep breath taken by this land after a long period of silence. I am just a speck of dust accidentally caught in this breath."

She spoke lightly, but her words were a clear statement to Ying and Shenzi: she wasn't here to stir up trouble; she was simply following and witnessing the changes brewing within Inazuma. At the same time, she cleverly avoided discussing any specific people or events, especially the name that absolutely could not be mentioned—Yu Qing.

Thomas was a clever man, and he immediately grasped the profound meaning. He nodded solemnly, "I will repeat your words word for word."

As they talked, the familiar, reassuring outline of the Mulou Teahouse came into view. Meanwhile, a silent thunderclap, directly across the Wuxiang Blade Gorge, had quietly brewed during this seemingly peaceful welcome.

Lin Huan knew that after settling in, she would have a solo date with "eternity." Her words to Thomas about "wind" and "breathing" had already set the initial tone for the tea party at the castle tower, one filled with wisdom and detachment.