Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Upon hearing the loud noise, Yuheng Star Keqing rushed to the scene.

Looking at the Thousand Rock Army, the Traveler, and Lingling whom he had met before, he shouted sternly, "Stop! What's all this noise about?"

Upon seeing the newcomers, the Qianyan soldier who had initially been called shameless by Paimeng began to report the situation.

"Lord Keqing, these two strange people suddenly appeared and seem to have something on their minds regarding Gui Zhongji."

This Qianyan soldier was named Hua Qing. He didn't dare to call Hunyuan a weirdo because Hunyuan was wearing the badge of the Dawn General on his chest.

Paimon got angry again when he heard the word "weirdo".

"Who are you calling a weirdo?!"

Ying ignored Paimon and began explaining the situation.

"I'm just looking for the way to Qunyu Pavilion."

Seeing that Ying showed no hostility, Ke Qing looked at Hui Yuan seeking an answer.

Huiyuan truthfully explained the situation.

"They are travelers and Paimon."

Paimon nodded and said, "Yes, we were invited to find the Seven Stars of Liyue."

Ke Qing remained silent for a few seconds.

"What a coincidence, I am one of the Seven Stars of Liyue."

Paimon looked completely bewildered, three big question marks appearing above his head.

Keqing introduced herself.

"I am Keqing, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue, the 'Yuheng Star'. I know about you, Traveler. You must be Ningguang's guest? I never expected to meet you in the mountains."

After Keqing finished introducing herself, Paimon exclaimed in amazement.

"Wow—I never expected to meet such a wealthy and important person in the middle of nowhere."

Keqing glanced at Paimon and continued, "The Returning Machine of the Tianheng Ancient City Wall was damaged, but it was repaired overnight. I was originally here to investigate. These Thousand Rock Army soldiers are just guarding the site, not here to arrest people."

"So it was a misunderstanding? Hmm... I really didn't expect that at all."

Ying's IQ is seven times that of Paimon. Unlike Paimon, she didn't completely suspect it was a misunderstanding.

To avoid Keqing thinking she was as stupid as Paimon, Ying put her hands on her hips and looked at Paimon, saying, "It's still easy to figure out."

Ke Qing glanced at the intact Gui Zhongji, then looked at everyone and spoke again.

"On another note, it's quite remarkable that a mortal could repair a mechanism created by immortals. Even for the 'Seven Stars,' this is a strange feat."

After Keqing finished speaking, Paimon wanted to reveal what he had done before. But Ying immediately covered Paimon's mouth and whispered something in his ear.

"We've only done a little work... let's not make things worse..."

Paimon pushed Ying's hand away and said, "Huh? Ah, oh... by the way, Lord Yuheng, do you know why Lord Tianquan invited us to the Jade Pavilion?"

"Just call me Ke Qing."

Ke Qing thought for a moment, and in less than half a second, she gave her answer.

"Ningguang asked to meet you, I think, simply hoping that the 'Heroes Who Saved Mondstadt' would remain neutral. At least... not completely side with the Sages."

Paimon immediately retorted.

"We haven't taken sides! We've spoken with those immortals, and they're also prepared to protect Liyue..."

Upon hearing Paimon's words, Keqing immediately became unhappy.

"When you say 'protection,' do you mean that kind of condescending arrogance?"

After Keqing finished speaking, Paimon was startled by this bold statement and let out a long "Huh?"

"Because you are ordinary people, the ones they protect, they won't consider you an 'assassin capable of assassinating a god.' Therefore, they must also think that Ningguang's orders to seal off the scene, interrogate the ordinary people, and hunt down the assassin... are all futile, or even a cover-up. Let me be frank, this is underestimating people."

Keqing's argument was reasonable and well-founded, and Paimon was immediately swayed by her words, agreeing with her.

"What you say does make some sense... However, this is the first time I've met a Liyue person like you who is so 'disrespectful to the gods'."

Paimon's words amused Keqing.

"Ha... Am I saying I respect their poor sense of time and their arrogance towards mortals, so they won't attack us 'Seven Stars' for the time being?"

Ke Qing glanced at Hui Yuan and stopped criticizing the immortal.

"Never mind, I shouldn't have talked about immortals like that. 'Disrespecting immortals' is just my personal opinion; Ningguang would never say such a thing. In short, I admit that the immortals' actions this time were quite restrained. The Emperor's murder is truly extraordinary. Faced with such an illogical situation, they were still willing to convene the immortals for discussion, instead of launching a direct attack..."

Ke Qing nodded and said, "That's quite civilized, it's really surprising."

Seeing that Keqing knew so much about immortals, Yingmei asked a question that she had been very curious about.

"So, is there any possibility of peace talks?"

"Ningguang... in her eyes, it's best if everything can be discussed and agreed upon—but that's impossible. The era of the 'Immortals' is over. If even the 'Liyue Seven Stars' dare not face this fact, what will become of Liyue's future?"

"Hmm...that's another very bold statement."

After Paimon finished making this comment about Keqing, Keqing sighed as if she had "seen an idiot."

"Phew... that's all I have to say."

Keqing shifted her gaze to Yingmei and began to praise her.

"Actually, I didn't need to say so much, but you're a very good listener, traveler."

After calculating the time, Ke Qing continued, "Alright, you should go to Qunyu Pavilion now. Be on time."

When Keqing said "Be punctual," she looked at Yingmei with admiration, much like an older sister reminding her younger siblings to be careful.

"The appointments to see Ningguang are already booked until next year. Liyue's top merchants consider 'ascending the Jade Pavilion' the ultimate honor in their business careers. Everyone brings lavish gifts, hoping to gain some benefit from Ningguang."

"B-Benefits?!"

Paimon got excited when he heard the word "benefits".

Ying looked at Paimon helplessly and said, "Paimon, we're talking about serious business."

"But...but!"

Upon hearing the word "benefits," Paimon imagined countless plates of sweet, flower-stuffed chicken and a multitude of other delicacies before her. Her mind raced, and she actually came up with a reason.

"By the way! 'Gifts' are also a precious part of Liyue's culture. We're not doing this for personal gain, but out of respect for Liyue's traditional culture..."

Looking at the adorable Paimon with a helpless yet indulgent expression, Ying said, "Look at how attentive Paimon is."

Ke Qing interrupted their flirting at this moment.

"Alright, alright, you can take your time to think of what kind of gift to give as a greeting. I'll tell you how to get to Qunyu Pavilion first."