Genshin Impact: Awakening in the Darkness

Chapter 181 The Lantern Festival After a Thousand Years (Part Fourteen)

“So,” Xuan Yue swallowed the last plum blossom in her hand, looking at the trio sitting in the tree chatting and laughing, completely unaware that several elders were watching them from the balcony behind them: “Why can’t we put the gifts here?”

He turned around and called out to the three "elderly people" who were sitting peacefully at a square table, drinking tea and playing chess.

Their purpose in coming here was to find Xiao, but seeing that Xiao and Kong were chatting so intently, they didn't want to interrupt. After all, this was a rare moment of relaxation, but waiting around would be boring, so Zhongli suggested playing chess to pass the time.

Of course, Xuan Yue also objected, but with three to one, the minority had to submit to the majority…

This game is between Ruotuo and Xuanqing, but Ruotuo's white pieces on the board have been captured so badly that he is scratching his head in frustration.

"Wait, Xuan Yue... let me make another move, and I'll definitely win." Ruo Tuo hesitated, unsure where to place the white piece. He felt that every possible place to put a piece was a trap.

Xuan Qing crossed his arms, looking like he was watching a good show: "Losing is losing, there's no shame in it."

"Really?" Ruotuo raised a questioning look, and then heard the next sentence: "Really, it won't make a difference if we do it once more."

"!" Ruotuo was about to retort after hearing this, but suddenly he was speechless, because he seemed to... really had never won. So, Longlong was frustrated...

Ruotuo suddenly ran to the side, squatted in the corner, and drew circles: "Let me go back to the sealing array. I just want to find a crack to hide in... It's too discouraging for a dragon."

"How old are you? You're more like a child than me." Xuan Yue's lips twitched as she looked at the big guy huddled in one spot.

"Then why don't you control your Xuanqing's mouth!" Ruotuo cried and accused, "He bullies the young! He has no respect for elders!"

Xuan Yue turned her gaze to Xuan Qing, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. Xuan Qing shook his head slightly, indicating that he was also innocent: "Once a move is made, it cannot be taken back. In ten games, he never lasted more than eight moves in any of them. It's due to his skill level. It's not my fault."

Xuan Yue: "Then you should give him a break..."

“He broke the rules, but I didn’t say anything to him. I even let him eat three of my pieces. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to eat any at all, and he would have lost by the sixth round.”

"This is even worse!" Ruotuo suddenly felt the whole world darken and started drawing circles again.

"..." Xuan Qing (ー_ー)? ? ! !

Does staying underground for a long time reduce one's ability to withstand pressure?

“Ah Qing, why don’t you…” Xuan Yue couldn’t help but rub his forehead, just about to persuade him again, when a voice suddenly interrupted him.

"Your Majesty the Emperor... and Your Majesty the Heavenly Lord, Xiao... I'm sorry for my rudeness." Xiao glanced back unintentionally and saw the group of people playing around behind him. He immediately panicked and, forgetting his conversation with Kong, flew down from the tree to reflect on his behavior.

His voice trembled slightly, and he sounded dejected. It seemed that Little Golden Roc was beginning to blame himself.

"Don't worry about it. It's rare to see you so relaxed, so we didn't want to disturb you." Zhongli put down his teacup, and Xuanqing nodded slightly to indicate that Zhongli was right.

Xuan Yue had already helped Xiao up, and said with a smile, "New friends keep you company, welcoming the new year. Look at the bustling scene downstairs, someone must have prepared this especially for you."

"Such a lively scene is quite rare."

A blush instantly spread across Xiao's face. He remained silent, but his eyes softened instantly, no longer as lonely as before—a good omen.

"Oh, Jin Xuan, Zhong Li... and Qing Yue! How come you're here too!" Pai Meng jumped down with Kong Ye and was about to greet them when he suddenly saw Xuan Qing among them, and together with Xuan Yue, so he couldn't help but exclaim.

Kong was also somewhat surprised. He wanted to ask something, but considering the current situation, he ultimately remained silent.

"A new friend? Aren't you going to introduce him?" Ruotuo immediately teleported back to his seat and even gestured towards Xuanqing's position with his mouth.

“Kong, Paimeng,” Xuan Qing stated the name simply and clearly. Ruo Tuo was still waiting for the rest of the story, but… that was it?

"Gone?"

"Ah."

"Can't you say more?"

"Who were you asking about?"

"Couldn't you explain it in more detail?"

"You didn't say that either."

"..." (=tェt=) Ruotuo really felt like she was back in the past. The last time she suffered such a great injustice was the last time.

“Hoo…” Ruotuo took a deep breath and asked again, “Then could you please tell me more about these two new friends?”

"No." Xuan Qing replied expressionlessly.

"..." (%＊&★/ㄋ$@￡) Ruo Tuo cursed Xuan Qing in her heart, and couldn't help but glare at him several times on the surface.

Xuan Qing remained calm and composed, playing with a few black stones in his hand, as if deep in thought.

As for the others, Xuan Yue was already laughing so hard she was leaning against the railing, trying hard not to laugh out loud. Paimon hid behind Kong and laughed, and Kong's lips couldn't help but curl up, but Xiao remained as calm as ever.

Zhongli smiled and tried to mediate, saying, "Alright, Xuanqing, stop teasing Ruotuo. It's not good to push him too far."

(Are you kidding me? Am I that funny?) Before Ruotuo could react, Xuanqing turned around and replied, "Okay, then don't cheat when we play chess from now on."

"So it's because I took a few extra steps and ate three of your coins, and you're holding a grudge?" Ruotuo felt like he knew the truth. He wondered why Xuanqing's words were suddenly so sarcastic. It turned out that his previous violation of the rules had angered Xuanqing.

"No." Xuan Qing shook his head in denial, but then smiled and said, "I was just teasing you. After all, it's been so long since we last met, and it might be hard to see you again."

"Xuanqing, do you know how awful you were just now..." Ruotuo said through gritted teeth, her face full of resentment.

“I know, after all, A-Yue said I’m quite intimidating when I don’t smile.” Xuan Qing nodded seriously, but seeing Ruo Tuo’s indignant expression, he asked, “Are you really angry? Sorry, it seems I’m not really good at livening up the atmosphere.”

The apology stunned Ruotuo. He wasn't angry, just speechless, because Guizhong and the others had often done this before, and exaggerating their emotions always made everyone burst into laughter.

He was deliberately projecting his emotions; many of his expressions were acting. It was just a normal scuffle between brothers, yet Xuan Qing was apologizing to him…

“Alright, Aqing isn’t very good at talking, let me introduce them.” Xuan Yue also noticed the awkward atmosphere and immediately jumped in to smooth things over: “This is the Traveler, and next to her is her companion Paimon.”

"If you're talking about glorious deeds, they not only helped Mondstadt and Liyue overcome a great calamity, but they even traveled to Inazuma to help Raiden and the others reform their governance methods. They were bestowed the title of 'Knights of Honor' by Mondstadt, are heroes of Liyue, and are also the captains of the 2nd Division of the Swordfish in Inazuma."

"However, travelers are completely unfamiliar with the local area, and this little Paimonko plays a crucial role in this, acting as a guide for them. It's fair to say that without her, the journey would have been impossible."

"How was my presentation?" Xuan Yue smiled and ruffled Paimon's hair, who was nodding in satisfaction.

Paimon proudly raised his head, put his hands on his hips, and said with a smug look on his face: "Not bad, not bad, I'm very satisfied with what you said."

This scene made everyone laugh, and Zhongli stood up to introduce, "This is the Dragon King Ruotuo, an old friend of ours for many years."

"He is an ancient dragon born from the essence of Liyue Rock, as old as the mountains and seas. During the Demon God War, I discovered him sleeping, and after I finished his eye, he signed a contract with me and followed me in my conquests."

"Wow, that sounds like a fascinating story," Paimon said, stroking his chin with curiosity. "Why don't you tell us more?"

Ruotuo: "Haha, there'll be plenty of time later. Today is the Lantern Festival, and since I rarely get out, I naturally have to experience it."

Xuanqing nodded in agreement: "Yes, that's right. We originally planned to bring the gifts to Xiao and then go back to Liyue Harbor to see what the Lantern Festival looks like a thousand years later."

"Oh! Ah Qing, I almost forgot about it if you hadn't mentioned it." Xuan Yue immediately took out the gift she had prepared.

It was a crystal ball, with a light layer of pale golden ginkgo leaves covering the bottom. In the center of the ball, five small figures were embracing each other, standing under a ginkgo tree.

“This…” Xiao’s mood couldn’t help but drop. Too much time had passed, and their appearances had begun to blur. They probably wouldn’t be able to remember them in a few hundred years.

The details and textures of the little figures under the tree were exactly the same as in my memory, making the memory clear again, as if they had returned...

"Thank you, Lord Xuan Yue!" Xiao was about to kneel down again, but Xuan Yue anticipated this and pulled him into her arms: "It's the Lantern Festival, Xiao, cheer up."

Xuanqing also came over and ruffled Xiao's hair: "Hmm, you can't cry during the Lantern Festival. Do you want to come with us to see the lanterns?"

"...I can see it right here." Xiao was still somewhat resistant. Although his karmic burdens had lessened considerably, they were still present. Liyue Harbor was crowded; what if...?

"Oh, what are we afraid of with us here? Let's go, Qing, we'll take Little Golden Roc to see the lanterns!" After saying that, Xuan Yue didn't linger any longer. She took Xiao's hand with her left hand and pulled Xuan Qing with her right hand and ran into the spatial teleportation channel: "You guys hurry up and follow!"

"Haha, still so impatient." Ruotuo shook his head helplessly with a smile: "Then let's go, we can't keep Xiao Xuanyue waiting."

“Traveler, Paimon, let’s go together.” Zhongli turned and invited, “It’s quite a distance from Dihua Island to Liyue Harbor. Coming with us will save you some time and energy.”

Paimon: "Then we won't stand on ceremony."

Kong: "Thank you."

"Hey! Why aren't you coming over yet? If you don't come soon, we're not waiting for you anymore." Xuan Yue's urging voice came from the other side of the space, sounding like she really couldn't wait any longer.

"They're here!" Kong and Paimon ran into the teleportation channel first, while Ruotuo and Zhongli followed behind at a leisurely pace.