Genshin Impact: Awakening in the Darkness

On their way back to Liyue Harbor, Paimon started asking again, "Qingyue, how is your health? Can it be cured? You should see a doctor as soon as possible..."

Xuan Qing: "Don't worry too much, I know what I'm doing..."

Xuan Yue crossed her arms and said, "Don't listen to his nonsense. The only thing he's talking about is that he's not going to die right now."

Sora: "! Is it that serious?!"

Before Xuan Yue could say anything more, Xuan Qing slapped her on the head: "Shut up, it's not like I'm about to die." Xuan Qing turned to Paimeng and Kong, who both looked worried, and said: "That immortal said there's nothing serious, just that you'll be a little weak recently, but there's no danger."

Paimon: "That's good..."

Kong: "You can contact us if you need anything."

Xuan Qing: "Thank you."

Xuan Yue: "By the way, where do we go next?"

Kong: "Let's go back to the Northern Bank and hear what 'Young Master' has to say."

Upon hearing the name of the Fool's Enforcer, Xuan Qing frowned involuntarily: "How did you get involved with 'Young Master'?"

Paimon promptly explained, "This happened after you fell unconscious..."

after a while---

Xuan Qing: "So that's how it is. They actually managed to get their hands on the 'Record of No Taboos'..."

Empty: "Is something wrong?"

Xuanqing explained, "As that immortal just said, the 'Record of No Taboos' was drawn by the Emperor to protect the people of Liyue, although it is now only used as a token. Over thousands of years, many versions of this talisman have been lost or disappeared without a trace. The fact that they were able to find it and preserve it so well suggests they are plotting something else."

Paimon: "That does seem strange, but he gave it to us so easily. Could it be... well, this talisman isn't actually that important?"

Xuan Yue: "In short, we should be careful when talking to the Fools in the future."

Sora: "Okay, I'll be careful."

Xuan Yue: "I'll take Qing Yue back to rest first, then I'll join you..."

Xuan Qing shook his head and said, "I'll go with you. If there's any hidden information in his words, I can analyze it for you."

Xuan Yue was still somewhat worried: "But your body..."

Xuanqing: "It's alright, besides... you're still here."

Paimon turned to Kongdao and said, "Then let's set off. It's not far from the Northern Bank!"

The group hurried to the Northern Bank, where "Young Master" was already waiting.

"You're finally back. How was your trip to Jueyun?" Seeing them approach, "Young Master" quickly put on a smile.

Kong turned to look at Xuanqing, who nodded slightly before Kong told the "young master" the information he already knew.

"Young Master": "I see. The True Lord of Moon-Slicing and Sun-Building, the True Lord of Water-Managing and Mountain-Stacking, the True Lord of Cloud-Borrowing and Wind-Leaving, the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons… Hmm, some of these titles haven't appeared in the information held by the 'Fools.'"

Xuan Qing: "Let's make a trade. We've already told you everything we know so far."

"Young Master": "Of course. As a return gift, I also have information to provide you. The Liyue Sept's reaction to the death of the deity is quite intriguing... They publicly declared that since the true culprit has not yet been found, no one is allowed to pay homage to the [Ancestor's Carved Body]. They even tried to suppress the news... but after all, the procession for the Celestial Ceremony is always bustling with people, and even the Sept can hardly stop the rumors."

Paimon: "The Immortal Ancestor's Manifestation?"

Xuan Yue explained to Paimon, "The Rock King Emperor can also be considered an immortal. He is the God of Contracts, but he is also known as one of the Lords of Immortals, along with the Heavenly Lord. It's just that we don't know who is older."

Xuanqing: (Are you implying that I'm old?)

Xuan Yue: (I didn't... Don't make wild guesses...)

As soon as Xuan Yue finished speaking, she heard Xuan Qing's telepathic message and quickly distanced herself from the conversation, but the others had no idea what they were talking about.

"Young Master": "That's right. All the current 'Three-Eyed Five-Manifestation Immortals' made a pact to protect Liyue back then. They have both the responsibility and the right. If the Seven Stars who govern Liyue encounter problems, they have the right to hold them accountable. Why would the Seven Stars hide the body of the Geo Archon after his soul ascended to the heavens? It's highly suspicious..."

Hearing this, Xuan Qing basically knew what the executive was up to, but looking at Kong and Paimon, who had been tricked into the conversation, and Xuan Yue, who was standing to the side with his arms crossed and not saying a word, he decided to wait and see what this last seat had to say.

"However... this time, I can still help you." After a series of preambles, he finally got to the point.

Paimon: "Huh? Really?"

[Young Master]: "Give me some time. Some time... to find someone. I will find someone who can break this deadlock for you."

"Young Master": "Ah... How interesting. The calmer the suppression during the planning stage, the more intense the chaos that will eventually erupt. In order to witness the bursting of the undercurrents, you must hold on until you are alive and meet me again."

After leaving the Northern Bank, Xuan Qing led them to a relatively wild place, which was open and not easy to hide in.

Xuan Qing: "Let's do it here. I think I can figure out what this executive is talking about."

Kong: "I can sense that he's trying to lead us to suspect that Qixing is the murderer."

Paimon: "Hey! I really thought that was true..."

Xuanqing: "The Geo Archon is a deity worshipped by Liyue for 3700 years. Even if the Celestial Lord had appeared, Liyue would have already been established by then. Do you think the current Seven Stars would risk being ostracized by the entire Liyue to attack the Archon?"

Paimon: "Hearing Qingyue say that... it really is unlikely..."

Xuan Yue: "I share Qing Yue's viewpoint, but I also have a suggestion. The current 'Young Master' probably needs you to provide cover for him. Why don't you go along with it? While you're at it, see if you can get in touch with the Liyue Seven Stars and hear their explanations and opinions."

Xuanqing: "You should always look at any problem with a skeptical eye."

Paimon: "Oh...so we'll just follow 'Young Master's' instructions and see what his true purpose is!"

The air conditioner quipped, "Paimon is on fire."

Paimon: "Hehe, I feel a kind of excitement about being an undercover agent..."

Xuanqing: "Be careful in everything, and just let things take their natural course."

Xuan Yue: "You all need to be extra careful tomorrow."

"Hey, aren't you guys going?" Paimon asked, puzzled.

Xuan Yue: "Hmm, Qing Yue's identity is suited to staying behind the scenes. His previous interference in Mondstadt's affairs led the Fatui to gather information about him through various channels. And now, given these special times, I'm a little worried..."

Xuan Qing had no choice. Xuan Yue had already made up her mind not to let him go out, so he could only say, "I'm sorry, you'll probably have to walk a distance on your own for the rest of the journey, but we will eventually meet again."

Kong: "I understand. Take good care of yourself."

Xuan Qing: "Well, Jin Xuan and I will take our leave now."

When Xuanqing and Xuanyue returned home, Xuanyue closed the door and drew the curtains, completely different from before. She spoke seriously, "Tell me, what's the reason? I don't believe you fainted because of a sudden relapse of an old illness. Liuyun said your soul was damaged, but we've already separated. Don't tell me there's still a golden crow in your compass!"

Xuan Qing sat on the bed, meeting Xuan Yue's eyes: "The 'order' is out of balance... I haven't fully recovered yet."

Upon hearing his words, Xuan Yue sat down beside him. She handed him a pillow and helped him lean against the bed: "How are you feeling now? Are you still in pain...?"

Xuanqing chuckled and said, "It's not like it hasn't happened before, no need to be so careful. I'm fine, but I can be sure that the storms Liyue will face afterward will definitely be significant."

"Don't worry about things that haven't happened yet. If we hadn't separated... at least I could have helped ease some of the burden..." Xuan Yue felt particularly sad. They used to be able to share the burden together, but now he had to bear it all alone...

“Xuan Yue…I’m here.”

This time, Xuan Yue couldn't hold back any longer and threw herself into Xuan Qing's arms, tears streaming down her face...