I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [82]

After leaving the Golden House, Ningguang and Ganyu returned to the Jade Chamber ahead of schedule.

Zhongli, as usual, made his way back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

This left the Traveler and Paimon unexpectedly without anything to do.

Having already paid their respects to Rex Lapis’ immortal remains, the Traveler found the sensation wholly distinct from the overwhelming presence of The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles she had encountered before. The aura was entirely different.

The Adepti’s promise to help find her brother would take time, leaving the Traveler with little to occupy her immediate attention.

After returning to their inn for a brief rest, night fell, and Liyue’s radiant lights beckoned.

Unable to stay idle, Paimon dragged the Traveler out onto the bustling streets.

Every night in Liyue had a mesmerizing beauty. While the glowing trees and dazzling fireworks drew the eye, the city's charm was deeper than spectacle alone.

For the first time since arriving in Liyue, the Traveler had the leisure to truly appreciate its splendor.

“I’ve heard that Liyue’s Lantern Rite Festival is the most stunning event of all,” Paimon said, flying ahead and glancing back with her hands clasped behind her.

“During that time, the entire city is covered in a sea of lanterns. From Mount Tianheng, it looks as if the harbor is immersed in a dreamland of glowing fireflies.”

“But... that’s still at least a month away, and we probably won’t stick around that long.”

“Oh, right! Lumine, is there any place you’d like to visit today? As your trusty guide, I can show you anywhere you want to go!”

The Traveler nodded faintly, her gaze captivated by the glittering cityscape.

As they wandered aimlessly, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Her eyes were drawn to a brightly lit building with an intriguing sign overhead.

The plaque read Stone Gate Teahouse.

“What is it?” Paimon asked, pausing as well.

The Traveler took a few steps closer, curious.

Standing at the teahouse entrance were two guards, a man and a woman. As the Traveler approached, one guard let out a sharp “Hmph!” while the other responded with an equally resounding “Ha!”

Their voices were so robust that the echoes lingered in her ears.

The Traveler glanced at them curiously but said nothing. Instead, she pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

The moment she entered, her eyes lit up.

At the reception area stood a young woman dressed in a simple teahouse uniform, her cold gaze fixed on the newcomer.

Despite her plain attire, the girl’s elegant beauty was undeniable. Her ink-black hair was adorned with a sunflower-shaped hair clip, and her traditional coiffure lent her an air of quiet grace.

Unfortunately, the counter and her skirt obscured her long legs—a particular feature the Traveler often appreciated.

Thank you for the visual treat, the Traveler thought, her curiosity drawing her further inside.

The receptionist’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the Traveler’s presence.

“And who might you be? What brings you here?” she asked coldly.

“Uh...” Before the Traveler could respond, Paimon zipped forward with a cheerful grin. “Miss, what kind of tea do you serve here?”

“My name is Chuyi, not ‘Miss,’” the receptionist replied curtly. “If you’ve come here, I assume you’re prepared. How much money did you bring?”

“Huh? We brought plenty of Mora, but...” Paimon hesitated. “Wait, is your tea really that expensive?”

“Who said a ‘teahouse’ has to sell tea?” Chuyi retorted with a sneer.

“Huh? No tea? Then what do you sell?” Paimon was baffled. “Your sign literally says ‘Stone Gate Teahouse’!”

“Hmph!” Chuyi snorted. “Clearly, you’re outsiders. You greenhorns shouldn’t wander around the city aimlessly. You’d be better off watching an opera or dining at a proper restaurant.”

“Hey!” Paimon puffed up in indignation, slamming her tiny hand on the counter. “Do you even know who my Traveler is? She just worked with Lady Ningguang of the Qixing! And you’re calling us greenhorns?!”

Chuyi hesitated at this revelation. She glanced at the silent Traveler, then back at the indignant Paimon.

“Using Lady Ningguang’s name as a shield?” Chuyi scoffed. “Let me warn you, there are some waters you shouldn’t wade into. Whether you’re here or not makes no difference to anyone.”

“Oh, you little—!” Paimon growled, puffing out her cheeks. “Let me show you what happens when you underestimate us!”

“Enough!” Chuyi snapped, her brow furrowing. “If you don’t leave, I’ll call the guards.”

Just as the tension reached a boiling point, a voice rang out from upstairs.

A middle-aged man, dressed in the opulent robes typical of Liyue’s wealthy merchants, descended the staircase leisurely.

“Master Mao!” Chuyi immediately lowered her head and bowed to the man.

The man called Master Mao didn’t even glance at her. His eyes settled on the Traveler instead.

“Well, if it isn’t the esteemed Traveler from Mondstadt,” he said with a slight bow. “To what do I owe the honor of your visit to my humble teahouse? You’ve truly graced this place.”

The Traveler blinked, unable to recall having met this man before.

Master Mao chuckled. “The young lord, Childe, has spoken of you frequently as of late. Naturally, we’ve heard much about you.”

“Oh, yes. After Childe gave you the [Sigil of Permission], you went to Jueyun Karst to meet with the Adepti, didn’t you?”

“But curiously, after returning, you didn’t seek out the young lord to report back. Instead, you followed Zhongli to the Jade Chamber. That’s left the young lord quite... displeased.”

“That doesn’t seem fair!” Paimon interjected. “Childe never said we had to report back to him!”

“True,” Master Mao admitted with a shrug. “The young lord is generous and didn’t specifically order us to track you down. He simply mentioned that you’d likely find your way to him.”

“But as subordinates, it’s our duty to anticipate our master’s wishes. We wouldn’t go out of our way to find you, but since you’ve shown up at my doorstep... Why waste the opportunity?”

Before Master Mao could say another word, an oval-shaped boulder erupted from the floor beneath his feet, launching him into the air.

“Run!” the Traveler barked, grabbing Paimon by the back of her collar and bolting for the exit.

“Catch them!” Master Mao bellowed from the second floor, blood trickling from a fresh wound on his head.

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This is a fan translation of 我，21亿岩王帝君加入聊天群 by 大一统. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!