(3RD POV)
[So now... Musashi, Lumine and Paimon were tasked to find those Adeptus and seek their help to clear their name. And now... They are on their way to Jueyun Karst to find that Adeptus.]
Musashi: "Jueyun Karst... Man, i can tell this place is really sacred."
Lumine: "You're right. Even from here, I can feel an aura that is so holy and powerful. Perhaps, it is the aura of the Adeptus we are looking for."
[They walked while looking around them. Nothing dangerous was found, not even Hilichurl and Abyss Mage were seen around.]
Paimon: "They say that the adepti dwell somewhere within these countless towering, cloud-ringed peaks. Few mortals may set foot here."
Musashi: "You mean... Only the chosen ones can come here?"
Paimon: "That is what people said. Jueyun Karst is considered the realm of the adepti of Liyue, usually unreachable by mortals."
Lumine: "T-Then, is this considered against the rules?"
[The trio continued walking without hesitation. Although, this could be considered against the rules, but they had to do this to clear their names.]
Musashi: (Only one way to find out.)
(Opening Song : Again - Yui)
Kono omoi wo keshite shimau niwa Mada jinsei nagai desho?
[As the song starts, the screen shows Lumine is looking at his older brother, Aether, who is smiling and walked away.]
Yarinokoshiteru koto Yarinaoshite mitai kara
[Lumine tries to catch up with him, but it's turned out to be a dream. When Lumine opened her eyes, she sees Musashi is sitting beside her, and Paimon floating near her.]
[And as Musashi stood up and pointed her blade to the sky, the screen shows the title "Genshin Impact : Shattered Void".]
Yume no tsuzuki oikakete ita hazu nano ni
[Lumine walks around the foot of the mountain near Liyue, accompanied by the smiling Paimon. She looks at the white flower near her feet. She crouched down and touch that flower softly and carefully.]
Magarikunetta hosoi michi hito ni tsumazuku
[Aether accompanied by Abyss Mages and Abyss Herald, stand on the cliff of the mountain. Aether found a white flower below him. He looked at that leaf for a moment, then he step on it and crushed that flower to pieces.]
Ano koro mitai ni tte modoritai
[Lumine, Musashi and Paimon finally arrived at Liyue Harbor and being welcomed by the resident of Liyue.]
Wakejanai no nakushite
[But at the same time, Musashi felt a sharp gaze from somewhere.]
Kita sora wo Sagashiteru
[Two unknown female is looking at them from different places. One from Adventurer's Guild and the other from the top of Liyue's tower.]
Wakattekuremasu you ni
[Shenhe who just appeared on Liyue, just take a look at the Travelers and feel their power from afar.]
Gisei ni natta you na Kanashii kao wa
[The screen shows Childe with his cynical smile, and then Zhongli with his arm crossed and he closed his eyes, and...]
Yamete yo
[Zhongli opens his eyes and glowing gold.]
Tsumi no saigo wa namida janai yo
[Out of Liyue Harbor, Keqing slashed one Hilichurl and Ganyu shots the other Hilichurl from the high ground.]
Zutto kurushiku seotteku nda
[Hu Tao herself are playing around with Hilichurls.]
Deguchi mienai kanjou meiru ni
[Beidou, along with his pirate crews are exterminating Hilichurl and Ruin Guard around Liyue, due to Ningguang Request.]
Dare wo matteru no?
[The screen shows La Signora stands in front of Northland Bank leading a small troops of Fatui fighter.]
Shiroi no-to ni tsuzutta you ni
[Near Wangshu Inn, Xiao is surrounded by a bunch of Hilichurl.]
Motto sunao ni hakidashitai yo
[But then, Xinqiu and Chongyun shows up to help Xiao and eradicate those Hilichurls.]
Nani kara Nogaretainda ... Genjitsu tte yatsu?
[And the scenes changes Childe is standing in the center of Golden House, smiling evilly. And then, he use his Foul Legacy Transformation.]
Kanaeru tame ni Ikiterundatte
[Musashi eyes turned green as Childe unleashed his Hydro Whale, Musashi just slashed through the whale and their weapon clashed.]
Wasurechai sou na Yoru no manaa
[Lumine breaks their clashed with her new Geo Attack. Childe using his spears, clashed with Lumine's blade and Musashi's katana.]
Bunan ni nante Yatterarenai kara..
[At Qince Village, Two unknown woman warrior are staring at each other, rain is pouring hard.]
Kaeru basho mo nai no
[As the rain stopped, both of them are dashing towards against each other with their own weapon.]
Yasashisa niwa itsumo kansha shite'ru
[Madame Ping is looking at the sunset, and Yanfei appeared behind her and stands together to watch the sunset.]
Dakara tsuyoku naritai (I'M ON THE WAY)
[Musashi, Lumine, Keqing, Ningguang and two unknown woman warrior are fending off the Fatui as Three Adepti are fighting Osial.]
Natsukashiku naru
[Powered up by Lumine, Ningguang and All Adeptus...]
Konna itami mo kangei jan
[Musashi unleashed the powered up "Ishana Daitenshou" towards Osial, and the screen turned white.]
-------------------- Chapter 15 -------------------
(Still 3RD POV)
[Jueyun Karst is a subarea located in Minlin, Liyue. It is said to be the place where the adepti live. Normally no one dares to try to set foot here, but some brave or desperate people still try to seek the adepti for good fortune. As for now, the three of them were now at the location of the first Adepti.]
Musashi: "We're here. Man, that's a quite a journey."
Lumine: "Yes. But, where's the Adeptus that we are looking for?"
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are searching for that adeptus in that area, until...]
????: "And who might we be? Do those that dare enter Jeuyun Karst?"
Paimon: "HWAA!!"
[Startled, Paimon hid behind Musashi. And, at the same time, that Adeptus appears in the form of a stag.]
????: "Well?"
Musashi: "W-Wait! We were sent here, Sir!"
Lumine: "Y-Yes! Here, take a look at this, sir!"
[Lumine pulled out the Sigil of Permission and showed it to that Adeptus.]
????: "A Sigil of Permission... Many a season has passed since one was last in the presence of such an item. He before you is the mighty and illuminated Adeptus, Moon Carver. Speak, travelers."
[That Adeptus has introduce himself as Moon Carver. And now, he is offering to the trio to speak. But...]
Musashi: "Well, the thing is..."
????: "There they are! Get them!"
[Musashi just groaned they almost speak the truth to Moon Carver, but being interrupted by a numerous guard that are chasing them to Jueyun Karst.]
Musashi: (God Damn It! Not now!)
Guard 1: "It's the assassin! They dared to flee here to Jueyun Karst!"
Guard 2: "Sir, we've already stepped too far into Jueyun Karst ourselves..."
[The head guard realized that he and his boys are breaking the rules. But, he decides to ignore it.]
Guard: "Argh... There's no choice! Apprehending the assassin is a top priority, we must press on!"
Moon Carver: "...Disturbing our borders. See them gone. One will not have an interruption."
[As the guards start attacking, both Lumine and Musashi took out their swords to defend themselves.]
Musashi: "Avoid vital parts."
Lumine: "Understood!"
*WUSH!* *CTANG!*
[The sword and spear collided and made a loud sound.]
Musashi: "Tch! This is just an misunderstanding!"
Guard 1: "Silence! You have no right to talk!"
*BUAGH!* *BUAGH!*
[On the other hand, Lumine tries to push away the enemies with her Geo's power.]
Guard 2: "Gah!"
Guard 3: "Ouch!"
Lumine: (I have to push them!)
*CTANG!* *SWING!* *SLASH!*
[Lumine and Musashi tried to push back the soldiers from Jueyun Kurst. Until...]
Musashi: "I've had enough!"
Lumine: "Forgive us!"
*KHIING!!!!*
[In Musashi's hands formed a ball of Anemo's power. with great pressure. And Lumine mustered up her inner strength, and...]
Musashi/Lumine: "HAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
[Musashi's power hit the Head Guard in the stomach and he was sent flying. Lumine hit the ground hard causing a strong earthquake.]
Guard 1: "GAAHH!!"
Guard 4: "Holy crap!"
[Their power and technique manages to knock the Millelith Soldiers's out but they didn't get unconscious yet.]
Guard 1: "Grr... We're not going to give up! Men, Advance!"
[The Head Guard ordered his men to advance to capture Musashi, Lumine and Paimon. Both Musashi and Lumine just stands ready to fight the enemy one more time. But...]
Soldiers: "HAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
Musashi: "Tch... This is getting-"
*WUSH!* *TAK!* *TAK!* *TAK!*
[Suddenly, a number of knives stuck right between the soldiers and Musashi and Lumine's position.]
Guard 1: "W-What the!?"
????: "Your actions have greatly disgraced Liyue Qixing's name."
[And turns out, there is a female figure that is emerging from the higher ground. That young woman had golden blonde hair, wore a blue and white outfit. She also wears silver arm guards and blue gaiters.]
Musashi: "...Is she..."
Lumine: "What in the world!?"
????: "HAH!"
* WUSH!* *TAP!*
[Thay young woman jumped and landed right between them all. The appearance of this girl made Musashi, Lumine and Paimon a little confused. But, it also gave rise to fear in all the soldiers there.]
????: "......"
Guard 1: "L-Lady Wang Yuanji!"
[And that young woman's name is Wang Yuanji. Musashi widened her eyes when she heard that name.]
Musashi: (W-Wang Yuanji!? Isn't she the wife of King Of Jin, Sima Zhao and later Empress Dowager Of Jin Dynasty during the Three Kingdom Period!? H-How can she be here!?)
[Wang Yuanji picked up her knives and faced her terrified soldiers.]
Yuanji: "Lady Ningguang did order to find the killer, but you dare set your feet on this sacred place."
Guard 1: "B-But Lady Yuanji! Those assassins... They are standing there!"
[Yuanji sighed as she is looking at Musashi and Lumine.]
Yuanji: "You fools. They're not the ones."
Guard 1: "W-What!?"
Yuanji: "The three of them came just as the Rite of Descension was being held. To be able to kill The Adeptus, it required careful preparation and a long time of planning. You think they can do it in 1 hour?"
[The soldiers could only swallow hard and lower their weapons. Yuanji, on the other side, decides to walk towards Moon Carver, passing through Musashi, Lumine and Paimon... And then, she fall on her knee to shows respect to Moon Carver.]
Yuanji: "Master Moon Carver, I, Wang Yuanji, offer you my apology for my men's bluntless. My men's mistake is my responsibility. You may took your anger on me."
Moon Carver: "Wang Yuanji... Thou are brave enough to come here... Only to save thou's men's from the wrath of Adeptus."
Yuanji: "Yes. As Legend's said... The fault of the subordinate meaning the failure of it's leader. So, i am here to receive my punishment in my men's stead."
[The three of them keep looking at Yuanji and Moon Carver. The Moon Carver didn't say a word towards Yuanji. But then, instead of punishment...]
Moon Carver: "Thou may leave this place with your people. But, consider this as a warning. Only the chosen ones who may come to this sacred place."
Wang Yuanji: "Yes... I thank you for your mercy, Master Moon Carver."
[Yuanji bowed to Moon Carver. Then, she stands up and walk through Musashi and her friends. And...]
Yuanji: "Let's move out. We shouldn't be here. We must not disturb the peace of the Adeptus."
Guard 1: "B-But, My Lady-"
Yuanji: "I said... Move out."
[When Yuanji emphasized the word "move out", the soldiers were terrified and immediately ran away from Jueyun Karst. As Yuanji was about to leave, he glanced at Musashi. Their eyes met, but they are looking at each other with dead glare...]
Musashi: "...."
Yuanji: (An extraordinary fighting aura, and a terrifying killing instinct... She is indeed no ordinary person.)
[Yuanji just walk away and leave them alone. Musashi and Lumine put up their sword into it's scabbard.]
Musashi: "It's over..."
[As for Moon Carver... He just witness the whole fight and fall into his own thought.]
Moon Carver: (This young Musashi... She has possesed the power that no one has. She could be the one who can match, or maybe defeat Archons.)
[And then... Back to real issue.]
Moon Carver: "We've digressed. State your purpose, travelers."
Paimon: "W-Well..."
[The three of them started explaining the situation to Moon Carver, and about Rex Lapis's death, and...]
Moon Carver: "Preposterous... PREPOSTEROUS!"
[Moon Carver just roared loudly in front of the trio. And, he manages to calm down, even just a bit.]
Moon Carver: "The Liyue Qixing... utterly disappointing. How could someone possibly assassinate Rex Lapis during the Rite of Descension... And then place suspicion upon the attendees!?"
Musashi: "Can you do something about it, Master Moon Carver?"
[Moon Carver just sighed for a bit as he seems out of options. But then...]
Moon Carver: "Travelers, of the unjust accusations placed upon you both, one has become aware. The mind knows its answer. Though one must consult with one's fellows, lest the mind is misguided. Go. Take your Sigil of Permission, carry with you a message."
Musashi: "But, Master Moon Carver. Who should we look for?"
Moon Carver: "Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer can be found here. Only fate will decide if you shall find them - only fate. There exists a Conqueror of Demons, a Guardian Yaksha. Go to Wangshu Inn. There you shall seek him. But first, you must visit the Cloud Retainer, which lives in Mt. Aocang, then you can go to meet Mountain Shaper at Mt. Hulao."
[They nodded as they heed Moon Carver's plan.]
Musashi: "Thank you, Master Moon Carver."
Lumine: "We will follow your plan."
Moon Carver: "The One hope you a safe journey, young travellers."
[And then, the trio decides to leave Jueyun Karst to meet the remaining Adeptus. But... On their way there, there's a small conversation.]
Lumine: "Say, Paimon...?"
Paimon: "Huh? What is it?"
Lumine: "About that young woman... I heard she said "Lady Ningguang"."
Paimon: "Oh... Paimon heard that, too. Do you think that Wang Yuanji girl is Ningguang's subordinate?"
Lumine: "Perhaps..."
[Musashi just keep walking as he keep hearing the conversation.]
Lumine: "It's hard to confirm. But for now, we should meet the other Adeptus as Master Moon Carver suggested, don't you think, Musashi?"
[Musashi just nods at Lumine's words. And then... They start walk fastly to find the other Adeptus to clear their name.]
(1 hour later...)
(At Mt. Aocang.)
[For sometimes later, they were now at Mt. Aocang and began to explore the area. And then... They stand near the stone table and examine it.]
Musashi: "A stone table."
Lumine: "Who put this table here?"
Paimon: They've even set it ready for dinner, there's a wine jug and everything...
Paimon: "Ooh, they even have the guests' names carved into the seats! "Here sits Retainer... Here sits Guizhong..." "Here sits Rex..." Maybe "Rex" is short for "Rex Lapis"? But Paimon has no idea about "Guizhong."
Musashi: "But, i do."
[Musashi touches the stone, and she touches Guizhong's name in it.]
Musashi: "I do know about Guizhong. Well, not all of it."
Lumine: "Then, what do you know about Guizhong?"
[Musashi sighed a bit. And then, she ready to speak about Guizhong.]
Musashi: "Guizhong... Was the Lady of Dust. She is best known as one of the Gods who presided over the Guili Assembly, which she established alongside Morax and Marchosius, and for her mechanisms such as Guizhong Ballista."
[Lumine and Paimon keep listening Musashi's sudden historical lesson about Guizhong.]
Lumine: "Then, what happened to Guizhong?"
Musashi: "She perished in a battle during the Archon War. While a massive flood forced the Guili Assembly's inhabitants to move south to Liyue Harbor. Since her death, Guizhong's legacy has been preserved in historical texts."
[There's a sound of sadness in Musashi's words. Lumine just smiles as she shook her head twice, asking her lover not to continue.]
Lumine: "Then, as for Retainer..."
Paimon: "That's it! When Moon Carver was going through the names of his adepti buddies, he said there was one called "Cloud Retainer." So, this must be where Cloud Retainer and the other adepti have their dinner parties!"
[Lumine and Musashi just laugh a little. In fact, Paimon also laugh.]
Paimon: "Hehe, how about we cook up some extra-special dishes for the adepti? We're sure to get Cloud Retainer's attention that way!"
Lumine: "But, do you know what should we cook?"
Paimon: "Hmm, people must make offerings here all the time. Do you think maybe it's at all possible that the adepti might like to try some... Sticky Honey Roast?"
[This time, Musashi just laugh nervouslu after hearing Paimon's stupid idea about what's to offer to Cloud Retainer. Fortunately, Musashi knows what to offer, thanks to her knowledge about Liyue.]
(15 minutes later...)
[So, the group decides to offer Matsutake Meat Rolls, Mora Meat and Jewelry Soup. And after they put the food on the stone table, they were sent into the domain...]
????: "One senses the presence of a Sigil of Permission..."
[And inside that domain, the trio manages to hear a wise yet feminine voice.]
Musashi: (It must be Cloud Retainer.)
Cloud Retainer: "One knows not why you have come, though the sincerity of your offering is clear... Hence, you shall be granted an opportunity. Find your way through mine abode, and you shall receive an audience with the adeptus whom you seek."
[Then, the trio decided to meet her by completing the puzzles on the platforms to get to her. After they manages to solve the puzzle, they were finally at the final platform and looked up to see a white crane with blue, gold, and black plumage.]
Cloud Retainer: "One is most impressed. The path that leads through this abode defies those of ordinary abilities. The one before you is the adeptus, Cloud Retainer."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon just bows their head to shows respect to the Adeptus of Liyue. Cloud Retainer seems amused by the humility and respect from those three young travelers.]
Cloud Retainer: "Now, speak of the matter which brings you here."
Musashi: "Well, um... Did you build this whole place?"
Cloud Retainer: "You surmise correctly. This place did oneself build, as did one design the mechanisms within."
Lumine: "And, did you design all those mechanisms?"
Cloud Retainer: "You surmise correctly. In fact, even Guizhong and Rex Lapis themselves found one's technological accomplishments to be worthy of commendation."
[Paimon seems amazed about how big this place was.]
Paimon: "This place is huge! And there are so many mechanisms... Do you really have this whole place to yourself? What's it even for? Did you build it as your private mechanism workshop or something?"
Musashi: "Uh... Paimon?"
Lumine: "That is not why-"
Paimon: "It's just like the stories say. The adepti leave the human world, find somewhere to go be a hermit, and then they research and invent all these amazing things..."
[Amused, Cloud Retainer decides to answer Paimon's question.]
Cloud Retainer: "One is simply not partial to the tedium of social interaction, and wished to find some peace and quiet. Find it one did... Shortly after which, you arrived bearing your Sigil of Permission... But enough! State the matter which brings you here, at once! You have disturbed the tranquility of this place for long enough."
[Lumine slowly explains what has just happened just now to Cloud Retainer. And... that enraged the Adeptus, Cloud Retainer.]
Cloud Retainer: "Rex Lapis... Assassinated!? How can this be!? Such a heinous crime... Who would dare?"
Musashi: "And, that is what we are trying to find out, Master."
Cloud Retainer: "The notion is so preposterous as to be unbelieveable... one shall have to verify the truth of the matter independently. Perhaps one shall squash Liyue first, then convene with the other adepti-"
[Musashi and Lumine and Paimon are shocked when they heard that this Adeptus is trying to squash Liyue.]
Paimon: "Wait, what!? Did you just say "squash Liyue Harbor"? Are you seriously gonna wipe out the whole city?"
Cloud Retainer: "Only a response of sufficient magnitude can negate the possibility of further incidents."
Lumine: "But the adepti are sworn to protect the city!"
Cloud Retainer: "It is as you say. We have protected Liyue Harbor under the leadership of Rex Lapis for 37 centuries. But in the face of this coup by nefarious actors... exceptional measures must be taken."
Musashi: "H-Hold on, Master! Aren't you supposed to protect the people there?"
Cloud Retainer: "It is as you say. But if Rex Lapis has indeed been murdered, then Liyue is in great peril. To delay in quashing the threat is to invite further disaster. It is precisely because one does not wish to see further suffering that exceptional measures are deemed necessary at this exceptional time."
[And... Cloud Retainer is really angry. Lumine and Musashi's words are fall into her deaf ears. But...]
Lumine: "You accepted our offering, that makes this a contract!"
Paimon: "Exactly what Paimon was gonna say! We made all that delicious food, and gave every last bit of it to you!"
Paimon: "We were hoping you might help Liyue out... not wipe Liyue out!"
[When Lumine say "contracts", Cloud Retainer's anger has just subsided slowly.]
Cloud Retainer: "I see..." Contract..." A cruel irony that you should appeal to the notion after the merciless murder of the God of Contracts himself. The people of Liyue seem quite content to dispense with their contracts. They are quite adept at taking that which is composed of black and white, and turning it gray... Nevertheless... Since you come here in the name of contracts, far be it from one to abandon one's own contractual obligations. Least of all when you come bearing a Sigil of Permission..."
[Cloud Retainer just sighed a little, and continue with her words.]
Cloud Retainer: "Rex Lapis infused these sigils with adeptal power when he first cast them. That power once aided humans in battle. Most of the sigil's power has long since worn off... It is but a keepsake now. This keepsake cannot be taken as proof of your trustworthiness. One must investigate the claims that you make independently. This, no doubt, is Moon Carver's very reason for summoning us. Your audience with the adeptus before you is now concluded. Leave at once, and disturb me no further."
[And just like that, the Cloud Retainer flies off as the four of you returned back to Mt. Aocang.]
Musashi: "Two down... Two more to go."
Lumine: "Then, our next target is Mountain Shaper at Mt. Hulao."
Paimon: "Yeah, let's head there now."
(Another hour passed...)
(Mt. Hulao...)
[Mt. Hulao... The large pieces of Amber Rock found along the mountain are formed by flowers Mountain Shaper planted to keep out intruders. These plants, called karst crawlers, are mostly hidden underground and will produce Amber Rock to trap anything that steps on it. So, right now, they arrived at Mt. Hulao and got to the top to meet another Adeptus. On their way there...]
Musashi: "Mt. Hulao... We're here."
Lumine: "This is the place where we can find Mountain Shaper."
Paimon: "We're nearly reaches the top. We should-"
????: "Have mercy, O mighty adeptus! I beg you... Show mercy upon me and my brother... Spare our lives!"
[They heard a man's voice, who is begging the adeptus, near the cliff. And then...]
Musashi: "Huh? What's wrong?"
????: "W-Who are you? W-What's going on here?"
Paimon: "Hey! We asked you first!"
Li Ding: "M-My name is Li Ding! You enjoy safe passage in Jueyun Karst... It can only mean one thing! You must be adepti messengers! Sent here to rescue me and my brother!"
[Lumine and Musashi tilted their head because they don't understand about what is this man said.]
Paimon: "What is he talking about?"
Musashi/Lumine: "Beats us..."
Li Ding: "...Oh, have mercy, mighty messengers of the illuminated adepti! I beg you to save us... My brother and I, we only came here because our family is poor, and we heard tell of treasures hidden in the amber of Mt. Hulao. It was stupid of us... but all we wanted to do was find enough treasure to sell and support our family..."
[So, in other words, this man is a Treasure Hoarders. And, now, he is seeking forgiveness from Adeptus and ask him to return his brother.]
Li Ding: "We followed the path up the mountain, but suddenly, the amber... it swallowed up my brother, Li Dang!"
Musashi: "Wait, what?"
Li Ding: "I ran away, and made it this far before it dawned on me: We were trespassers in the abode of the adepti, and this was our punishment... I had no idea how to rescue my brother, so I just started praying for the adepti to have mercy, right here on the spot. And now, at long last, two messengers come to my aid..."
[And this time... Musashi and the others are getting even more confused.]
Paimon: "What? We're not adepti messengers... We just wanna find the adepti, like everyone else!"
Li Ding: "No no no, you must be messengers... You have to be! I have no idea which amber trapped him... Please, you have to rescue him! I beg you, show me some adepti mercy!"
[Musashi just sighed, because this conversation is getting nowhere and nowhere. So, she decides to act.]
Musashi: "You know what? I'll go have a look and find your brother."
Li Ding: "Thank you, thank you! O mighty messengers of the illuminated adepti, I promise that we will never be so foolish again..."
[And then, Lumine, Paimon and Musashi, followed by Li Ding, try to find the man that is being held inside the amber. And...]
Musashi: "It must be it."
Paimon: "Yeah! I can see a man inside it!"
Lumine: "So, shall we?"
[Musashi decides to let Lumine break the amber. Lumine collect her power into her fist, and..]
Lumine: "HAA!!"
*BUAGH!* *CRACK!* *SHATTER!*
[And, it works... The amber has been destroyed. And that man is saved.]
Li Dang: W-What happened? ...Y-You rescued me? Thank you..."
Li Ding: "Li Dang!"
[And then, Li Ding was happy because his brother is safe. And after a short rest...]
Li Ding: "Thank you for rescuing my brother, O mighty messengers of the illuminated adepti."
Musashi: "You're welcome."
Lumine: "By the way, have you ever seen the adeptus here?"
Li Ding: "What? No... I mean, like everyone else, we've heard that there's an adeptus living in Mt. Hulao. But regular folks like us would never have the chance to meet them. No way. Unlike you guys... You're adepti messengers, so it's a whole different story."
[Turns out, they didn't know where is the Mountain Shaper is. But, for Musashi... They have to look forward.]
Li Ding: "Anyway, we have trespassed in the realm of the adeptus for long enough. We should get going. Thank you, mighty adepti messengers..."
Li Dang: "Yes, thank you, messengers..."
[Li Ding and Li Dang run down the mountain together. On the other hand... Paimon, Lumine and Musashi decides to walk to the top of the mountain. And after 10 minutes of walking and they reaches the top...]
Paimon: "Boy, it'd be super helpful if we actually were adepti messengers. Cause it seems like this adeptus has got a real temper problem..."
Musashi: "Hey, Paimon... Show those Adeptus a respect, okay?"
Paimon: "But it's not like we've done anything wrong, so... hopefully we'll be okay... hehe..."
[And...]
????: "Who dares trespass on my mountain!? Who is it that frees the thief from his incarceration!?"
Paimon: "HYAA!!"
[And in front of them... They see a red and orange-colored crane, with a pattern of both on its wings. And again, Paimon hides behind Musashi because she is scared.]
Mountain Shaper: "You intrude upon the sanctity of Mt. Hulao, you destroy the amber of my mountain, and you free a thief whose freedom is not yours to give!"
Musashi: "We.. i... Uh..."
Mountain Shaper: "The thieves' ignorance was an affront to the adepti... but your actions are an abomination of the highest order!"
Paimon: "Wait! We can explain..."
[Lumine swiftly shows the Sigil of Permission to Mountain Shaper.]
Mountain Shaper: "A Sigil of Permission? One was unaware that such things still exist in the mortal realm."
Lumine: "Moon Carver sent us."
[Mountain Shaper didn't believe what Lumine said quickly. It feels something is off.]
Mountain Shaper: "Moon Carver... trusted a mere mortal as his messenger?"
Musashi: "Well, not like that. Master Moon Carver is-
[Before Musashi could say anything, Mountain Shaper keeps talking.]
Mountain Shaper: "In the beginning, Rex Lapis cast them for the mortals with his own hand. Few were made then, and thousands of years on, fewer still remain..."
[Mountain Shaper grunts for a bit, but then... It looks at Musashi and the other with a deadly glare.]
Mountain Shaper: "Speak. One shall listen to the matter which brings you here, then one shall verify the truth there of. You would be wise to speak the truth, for Liyue is not so far from here that one would be easily deceived."
Lumine: "Well, the thing is..."
[Musashi, Paimon and Lumine explain what happened in Liyue Harbor to Mountain Shaper. And, the reaction... is kinda expected.]
Mountain Shaper: "Rex Lapis... Assassinated? At the Rite of Descension!?"
[As expected... Mountain Shaper is shocked and angry after knowing that it's master has been killed.]
Mountain Shaper: "What mortal in Liyue- nay, in all the world, would conspire to commit such foul treason? Or perhaps the more pertinent question is, what power in this world could aspire to achieve it!? Rex Lapis charged the adepti with the protection of Liyue, and we have always honored this duty. As the people have prospered, so have we gradually withdrawn into the mountains. Indeed, this was a gesture of good will towards humanity. But now... Alas! Rex Lapis, gone..."
[Musashi and Lumine could hear a tone of sadness from Mountain Shaper's voice. But then, Mountain Shaper manages to keep his cool, and...]
Mountain Shaper: "Traveler, of the matter you have relayed, one has become aware. One now knows why Moon Carver has sent for us. Once one has dealt with certain matters here that require my attention, one shall convene with the other adepti."
Musashi: "One question, Can someone explain the amber situation to me?"
[Paimon swiftly raised her hand and try to answer Musashi's question.]
Paimon: "Paimon can! Adepti always have magical powers in storybooks, seems it's true in real life too. You know, like how grass is actually adepti hair, and rivers are actually adepti saliva... There must be something similar going on with the amber."
Lumine: "So is rain... adepti tears?"
Musashi: "And amber must be crystallized adepti, huh? Damn it... It's so gross."
[Mountain Shaper just keep listening to the trio rambling, until it decides to intervene.]
Mountain Shaper: "Your nonsense knows no bounds. This amber is produced by a flower that one has planted here, called the Karst Crawler. The majority of the plant is hidden underground. When stepped on, it produces amber to trap the invader. After taking up residence here, one planted many karst crawlers to ensure that the tranquility of the mountain would remain undisturbed. Over the years, they have helped to prevent many disturbances, but in the process they have also trapped many curious things..."
Paimon: "Oh, so the amber is... alive?"
Mountain Shaper: "Correct. Thus, one may not leave this place in its current state, for fear of the risk to innocent lives in one's absence. One will depart as soon as one has attended to this matter. One trusts that the manner of your departure will be swifter in nature.
[Then, Mountain Shaper just fly away from Mt. Hulao, and leaving them alone.]
Paimon: "Wow... Paimon never thought we can convince Mountain Shaper that easily."
Musashi: "Well, if we shows humility and respect to the Adeptus... He or she will listen to our plea."
Lumine: "I couldn't agree more with you, Musashi."
[And now... There is only one more Adeptus to find.]
Musashi: "Next stop... Conquerer of Demons in Wangshu Inn."
Lumine: "Wow... So, we're going back to Wangshu Inn again?"
Musashi: "Yup... We meet Adeptus, and then, we all take a short break."
Paimon: "Alright! Let's head there now!"
[Paimon excitedly flew straight towards the Wangshu Inn, followed by Lumine, who was holding hands with Musashi. On the other hand, Musashi just grinned to herself.]
Musashi: (Hehe~ I wonder how they will react when they meet Alatus later.)
(Another hour passed...)
(Wangshu Inn...)
[And after an hour of walk, they finally made it back to Wangshu Inn.]
Paimon: "Compared to Jueyun Karst, this place seems basic. Are we really gonna find an adeptus here?"
Musashi: "Oh, believe me. We are."
Lumine: "You seems confidence about this, Musashi."
Musashi: "Hehe~ Just wait and see."
[They walked to the top of the Inn which has a large balcony. But, no one's there.]
Paimon: "Oh? He's not here?"
Lumine: "Maybe we should wait until he's coming."
Musashi: "Yup-Yup."
[They stand at the balcony gates and observe the beautiful view.]
Paimon: "Wow! This is really a beautiful scenery!"
[Paimon seems enjoy looking at the beatiful view. On the other side, Lumine is looking at the scenery while leaning on Musashi's shoulder, which Musashi didn't mind at all.]
Lumine: (What a beautiful sight. When all this ends, I want to enjoy this view with Aether, Paimon and Musashi.)
[Musashi's mouth began to grin to itself. She started to hold back her laughter, until...]
Musashi: (3... 2... 1... And...)
????: "To the blind, everything may not be as it appears..."
Lumine/Paimon: "HYAA!!!"
[Lumine and Paimon were startled and jumped into Musashi's arms when they saw a man standing to their left.]
Xiao: "...What?"
[Musashi put Lumine down and helped her stands up. After that, Musashi laughed so much that she rolled on the balcony floor.]
(A/N : Like This...)
Musashi: "GAHAHA!! Oh man... This is really hilarious!! GAHAHA!!!"
[On the other hand, Lumine could only cover her face which is blushing with embarrassment. How could she show her embarassing side to Musashi. As for Paimon...]
Paimon: "Oi! You know he is here and you didn't tell us!? How could you, Slime's Lover!?"
Musashi: "Hahaha!! Haha~ Oh boy... I can't stop laughing! Your reaction are really priceless!"
[Steam comes out from Paimon's ear. She is really... And i mean REALLY pissed after being pranked!]
Paimon: "You stupid Slime's Lover! Paimon almost got a heart attack because of your stupid prank!"
Musashi: "Hahaha~ Ehe~"
Paimon: "EHE TE NANDAYO!?"
[On the other hand, Xiao just sighed as this stupid conversation is getting worse. Until... He decides to intervene.]
Xiao: "Why do you insist on getting involved in the world of demons and adepti, Musashi? You're breaking the rules too often."
Musashi: "Oh, come on, Alatus. Don't be like that. I'm your friend, remember?"
[Lumine and Paimon are shocked after looking at Musashi after speaking casually with Xiao.]
Paimon: "W-Wait! Slime's Lover! You knew this person!?"
Musashi: "Yup... This is Xiao, a friend of mine."
[And both of them were even shocked after knowing that Musashi is making a friend with An Adeptus.]
Lumine: "M-M-Musashi!?"
Paimon: "Y-You make a friend with an Adeptus!?"
Musashi: "Well... Hehe~"
[Xiao just sighed again. It was difficult for him to change Musashi's habit of casually introducing herself as a friend of a Yaksha.]
Xiao: (I'm getting to old for this nonsense.)
[Now, back to the problem... Lumine shows the Sigil of Permission to The Yaksha.]
Xiao: "A Sigil of Permission? You came prepared. Though this only prevents me from hurting you myself. Doesn't stop you from getting hurt in other ways."
Paimon: "Uhh... Paimon doesn't get it..."
Musashi: "I'll explain it later, okay?"
[Xiao sighed again... He seems done to make contact with a human.]
Xiao: "Too much contact with our world is breaking the rules. Mortal souls are not as robust as those of adepti, nor can your blood carry this level of adeptal energy. It's for your own good. Leave. Now."
Paimon: "W-Wait! We-"
*WUSH!*
[And... Xiao left without a trace. And again, Paimon were pissed because of it.]
Paimon: "Argh! Paimon's...peeved! All he does is think about himself! Paimon wants to give him an ugly nickname...but if you tick off an adeptus, the only thing you'll probably ever find in treasure chests is cabbages! Bleurgh!"
Musashi: "Well, he's kinda like that. I think his mood isn't too good."
Lumine: "So, what should we do? We need his help, after all."
[Musashi smiles widely at the both of them.]
Musashi: "There is only one way to fix his mood."
Lumine/Paimon: "Eh?"
(1 hour later...)
[1 hour passed... Musashi asked Lumine to cook something for Xiao. They decides to borrow the kitchen from Smiley Yanxiao, which he didn't mind after being helped with the ghost thing.]
Lumine: "Uh... Are you sure he will like it, Musashi?"
Musashi: "Believe me... I know what he likes and what he dislikes."
Paimon: "Well, finger crossed."
[They went back to the Balcony, which he is standing there, looking at the blue sky. When he feels a presence of human, he turned back and see the trio with food on their hand.]
Xiao: : "...You two again."
Paimon: "Wait! Don't go disappearing again."
[Before Xiao could leave, Musashi and Lumine swiftly gives the food to Xiao.]
Xiao: "What's this?"
Paimon: "It's your favorite food..."
Paimon: "Almond Tofu.."
Paimon: "As well as this distant traveler's best dish - a Satisfying Salad."
[After giving the food to Xiao, Lumine swiftly tells Xiao everything that has just happened at Liyue Harbor. Xiao is a bit shocked.]
Xiao: "Rex Lapis... How could this be? I... can't imagine it. Though times have changed, I've never imagined a Liyue without him. The ruling Qixing... Just what role have they played in this?"
[Xiao fall silent for a moment, trying to find a way to solve this problem, and...]
Xiao: "I will seek Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer. It is time they too made their decisions."
Musashi: "Will the adepti take over his role in Liyue?"
Lumine: "Or maybe... Interrogate the Qixing?"
Xiao: "Adepti do not turn on their responsibilities. I have my reasons to not want to be tainted by the mortal realm, but... responsibilities are responsibilities. Our god is the God of Contracts after all."
*WUSH!*
[Suddenly, Xiao jumps and left without a trace, leaving Lumine and Paimon stunned.]
Musashi: "Well, here he goes... Leaving without a trace."
Lumine: "So... Our job is done?"
Paimon: "Yup! Now, we should go back to Northland Bank and find Childe!"
Musashi: "Alright then. Let's-"
[Suddenly, Musashi feels a whisper from behind her ear...]
Makoto: "Musashi... We need to talk... Just two of us."
Musashi: (M-Makoto? What is it?)
Makoto: "I need to tell you something."
[Not knowing what Makoto wanted to talk about, Musashi just complied. And...]
Musashi: "On second thought, i think we should rest for a bit."
Lumine: "For now... I agree with Musashi. My feet will break if i keep walking all-way around without rest."
Paimon: "Alright! Let's take a break! 1 hour and we'll go back to Northland Bank!"
Musashi/Lumine: "OOOHHH!!!"
[And then... Lumine and Paimon went to the restaurant of Wangshu Inn, while Musashi goes to the bathroom, because stomach ache, as a excuse. And, when Musashi had arrived at the toilet, Makoto appeared before her.]
Musashi: "Makoto, what's wrong?"
Makoto: "It's about Rex Lapis."
Musashi: "Rex Lapis? What's up with that? We know he is dead and-"
Makoto: "No, that dragon is not Rex Lapis. It's just an empty shell."
[Musashi widened her eyes for a bit.]
Musashi: "W-What? What do you mean by that?"
Makoto: "When you and the others try to escape... I'll stay for a moment and check that dragon's body... And i was correct, i cannot feel Morax's Geo's Aura... And in fact... i can't find Morax's Gnosis in it."
[And that means... Only one conclusion remains...]
Musashi: "So, you're saying that... Morax is alive?"
Makoto: "I believe so. And i think it's only a matter of time before Signora move out to find Morax and take his Gnosis."
Musashi: "There's only one way to do..."
[Makoto nods in agreement. There is only one way to prevent the worst case scenario.]
Musashi/Makoto: "Find the real Morax."
-------------- End Of Chapter 15 -------------
[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 15 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are having a long journey to meet Four Adeptus in different places around Liyue. They have met Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer and Xiao to ask for their assistance to clear their name. But then, Makoto reveals that Morax is still alive and the dragon that lies dead on Yujing Terrance is just an empty shell. And the only way to prevent the worst case scenario is by finding the real Morax. Can they find Morax before Signora? Who is that mysterious woman? What will happened next? Find out at the next chapter of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. You can vote the story if you like it, and you can ask me anything you want through comment.]
[P.S : Musashi's Current Relationship :
1. Lumine : Crush (Both Sides)
2. Paimon : Best Friend
3. Venti : Crush (One-Sided Love)
4. Jean : Crush (One-Sided Love)
5. Lisa : Crush (One-Sided Love)
6. Amber : Crush (One-Sided Love)
7. Kaeya : Friend
8. Diluc : Best Friend
9. Eula : Rival & Crush (One-Sided Love)
10. Raiden Makoto : Best Friend
11. Sucrose : Friend
12. Xiangling : Best Friend
13. Xiao : Friend
14. Ningguang : Stranger
15. Childe : Acquaintance
16. Wang Yuanji: Stranger
[That's all folks, KeysOfVoid out!]