Qin Yu had planned the route in meticulous detail.
First, they would depart from the north gate of Liyue Port, follow the main road north, and rest at Wangshu Inn. After backtracking briefly to a fork in the road, they would venture directly into Jueyun Karst.
From Qingyun Peak in Jueyun Karst, they would cross the high bridge above Huaguang Stone Forest and climb Mt. Aocang.
Shenhe offered no objections.
"You decide," she said, readily accepting the planned route.
How would Shenhe approach this? Qin Yu wondered. Though she had a vague idea of what Shenhe might choose, she needed confirmation. "Shenhe, how would you go?"
"Straight there."
Straight? Qin Yu traced a straight line across the map with her index finger. "Like this?"
"Close enough."
Really? Qin Yu thought. Well, if Shenhe said so, it must be true.
On second thought, it made perfect sense. Shenhe had lived outdoors for years, relying on instinct rather than maps. She only needed a general sense of direction to follow it.
Good thing I came prepared.
...Shenhe has lived alone in the wilderness for so long. Doesn't she ever get lonely? The thought suddenly crossed Qin Yu's mind.
But then she remembered the Red Ropes that connected them. With that bond, she probably doesn't feel loneliness too deeply.
"Should we take a carriage or walk?" Qin Yu asked.
Though she already had a preference, she wanted to give Shenhe a chance to voice any alternative ideas.
"I don't mind. It's up to you."
An unsurprising answer.
It would be nice if Shenhe offered her opinion once in a while. Having to make every decision myself can be a bit of a hassle, Qin Yu thought, smiling faintly as she nodded.
"Then let's take a carriage. We should reach Wangshu Inn before nightfall."
They arrived at Wangshu Inn just as dusk was approaching.
"Thank you!" Qin Yu waved goodbye to the cartman with a smile.
Turning around, she tilted her head back to gaze at the towering pavilion before her. This was her first time visiting the inn, and indeed, the farthest she had ever traveled in her life.
Shenhe, as always, remained unfazed.
"Let's rent rooms. Shenhe, do you have any Mora?"
"I do."
"Oh, okay..."
I thought she wouldn't have any. I was planning to treat Shenhe and earn some Points in the process. Oh well.
Qin Yu felt a twinge of disappointment as her wishful thinking fell flat.
The two entered the inn and approached the front desk. Qin Yu stepped forward and politely addressed the woman who didn't seem to be from Liyue:
"Hello, Madam Innkeeper. We'd like two rooms."
The woman sighed. "Welcome, but I'm not the innkeeper—I'm the owner. Two rooms, right? We happen to have two adjoining ones available. That'll be this much."
"Huh? Oh, right..."
Why is she making such a fuss about this? Qin Yu wondered.
After paying the rent with Shenhe, Qin Yu accepted two keys engraved with their names. The landlady—or rather, the female proprietor—led them to their rooms.
"Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," the proprietor said with a smile.
Qin Yu returned the smile. "Okay, Boss Lady!"
Ah, I slipped up again!
"It's 'Boss.' Sigh..."
"Sorry," Qin Yu said.
The proprietor shook her head, indicating she didn't mind.
Yeah, right, Qin Yu thought skeptically.
She studied the pair more closely. "Are you two perhaps headed to Jueyun Karst?"
"Yes, but how did you know?" Qin Yu asked.
"This one resembles the White-Haired Adeptus mentioned in Adeptus circles—her aura is unmistakable. Plus, with all your luggage, it wasn't hard to guess."
Shenhe remained silent, accustomed to being mistaken for an Adeptus. Unless necessary, she never bothered to correct such assumptions.
The proprietor continued, "Don't worry, we never disclose our guests' information... but at noon, the Millelith sealed off the main roads to Jueyun Karst."
Sealed off?! Qin Yu was startled. She hadn't anticipated this at all.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"For some reason, more monsters than usual have appeared near the roads. To ensure safety, the Qixing have temporarily dispatched the Millelith to seal off the area and exterminate them. I don't think it will take too long."
Qin Yu nodded in understanding, then asked, "How long exactly is 'not too long'?"
"Probably a day. The monsters are scattered and proving quite troublesome."
A day... Qin Yu murmured, frowning slightly. She had planned to continue her journey tomorrow.
Mt. Aocang was still a long way off.
If she weren't on vacation, a few extra days wouldn't matter. But now, she couldn't bear the thought of wasting a precious day of her break stuck here.
The situation left her with two options: wait, or...
Qin Yu turned to Shenhe and asked, "Shenhe, what do you think we should do?"
"Why wait? We should simply eliminate anyone who gets in our way."
Whoa, she said that so casually, without even a flicker of emotion.
Still, her idea aligned perfectly with Qin Yu's own.
Qin Yu didn't want to encounter danger, but she was even more unwilling to waste her vacation cooped up in some random place. With unwavering resolve, she decided to assist the Millelith in exterminating the monsters.
The female boss nodded slightly as she overheard their conversation.
"So that's how it is. It seems Lady Ningguang's prediction was accurate after all."
"Huh?"
Qin Yu froze, hearing the familiar name. Why is Ningguang's name suddenly coming up?
"The Qixing's eyes are everywhere, especially those of the current Tianquan Ningguang. Nothing, big or small, escapes her notice. As her secretary, your movements would naturally be known to her."
This landlady... no, this female boss... could she actually be affiliated with the Qixing?
Is she my colleague?! Qin Yu was deeply shocked.
Wait, does this mean Ningguang knows everything I've been doing? That's ridiculous!
Qin Yu couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
"'If you wish to assist the Millelith, simply proceed. I've already given the orders.'—Those were Lady Ningguang's exact words. So, when you arrive at your destination, simply inform the Millelith of your presence."
"Ahaha... I understand, thank you very much. But does this mean you're my colleague, Boss?"
"Let's just say I have some ties to the Qixing... I can't say more. Alright, farewell for now."
The female boss had left. Qin Yu realized she hadn't even asked for her name, but she couldn't muster the energy to do so now.
I really want to complain to Ningguang, but I can't.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, patted her cheeks, and forced herself to perk up.
Now that they'd decided on their next move, it was time to act swiftly. Helping the Millelith eliminate monsters would surely please Ningguang when word reached her ears.
Plus, they could resume their journey along the main road tomorrow—a double win.
"Let's put our things away first," Qin Yu said.
Shenhe nodded.
After stowing their backpacks in the room and resting briefly, Qin Yu and Shenhe set off on foot toward the main road leading to Jueyun Karst.
They walked for a short while before spotting the Millelith's temporary encampment.
Entering the camp, Qin Yu explained their purpose. The Millelith captain recognized her immediately.
"Lady Tianquan mentioned this matter... Very well, we would greatly appreciate your assistance."
"Here's a detailed map of the area, marked with the approximate locations where monsters were sighted half an hour ago. Will you be joining our patrol, or do you have other plans?"
Patrolling with the Millelith... Qin Yu glanced at Shenhe.
For Shenhe, acting alone would likely be far more efficient than moving with the main group. Could I end up holding her back?
Still, it'd be better than sticking with the Millelith.
"Just the two of us will be fine."
"Is that so? Then please be extra cautious. Recently, some unusual monsters have appeared, their bodies saturated with malevolent energy, making them far more troublesome than ordinary ones."
Malevolent energy?
Qin Yu felt a twinge of unease, but she nodded firmly. "Understood. Thank you for the warning. You all be careful too!"
Shortly after leaving the Millelith's temporary camp, Shenhe spoke up.
"The so-called malevolent energy might be 'monster energy'."
"Monster energy?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
Shenhe explained, "During the Archon War, countless Archons were defeated, and some were sealed beneath the Bedrock by Rex Lapis. Though an Archon's consciousness may dissipate, their lingering resentment and power remain, coalescing into monster energy."
"The monsters they mentioned are likely tainted by this energy."
"But don't worry. Leave the exorcism to me," Shenhe assured her.
Qin Yu shook her head earnestly. "No, I'm coming with you. Let me handle the support."
I have no desire to be a mere ornament.
Exorcism? I can handle that too—though my methods are more... physical.
Qin Yu drew her Combat Pistol and smiled at Shenhe.
"I'll protect you, Shenhe."
Shenhe felt that strange emotion stirring within her again and nodded in response.
"Very well. I'll protect you too."
Evaluation: B+
"Ahahaha, thank you..."
But I wasn't counting on it.
Some time later, as dusk approached.
"Shenhe, move aside!"
Without hesitation, Shenhe leaped back forcefully, creating distance between them.
Qin Yu eyed the several Hilichurls radiating malevolent energy. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her Armament Platform and Armament Key: Barrage, then charged into the enemy ranks.
She inserted the key into its slot as she ran.
The instant she closed the gap, Qin Yu spun around and swung the Armament Platform in a wide arc, sending the Hilichurls flying.
While the Hilichurls were still airborne, the Armament Platform transformed completely. Qin Yu swiftly aimed and unleashed a rapid barrage. Four shells struck with pinpoint accuracy, detonating in mid-air.
As the Hilichurls fell, both they and the malevolent energy clinging to them dissipated completely.
Qin Yu activated Wave Detection, scanning the surrounding area. No other monsters were detected.
"The monsters' aura has vanished entirely," Shenhe confirmed.
Qin Yu finally relaxed, pressing a hand to her chest and exhaling deeply.
These monsters, tainted by demonic energy, were indeed stronger and more scattered than any she'd faced before. But with her Skills and Shenhe's cooperation, they had ultimately been defeated.
This outcome would undoubtedly please Ningguang, allowing them to set out immediately tomorrow.
Perfect.
Wait, though it's unlikely, I should still ask...
"Shenhe, are you hurt?" "Are you injured?"
Their voices overlapped.
"I'm fine, no need to worry." "I'm alright."
Hold on, why are you both trying to talk over me?!
Shenhe sheathed her spear, visibly relieved. "I'm glad you're safe."
"Ah... yeah."
Just as I thought, Shenhe's still incomprehensible in these situations.
Evaluation: A-
Get lost, you stupid popup.
Ugh, I'm so tired— Qin Yu rubbed her neck, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over her. Her head still ached slightly. Had she not rested enough?
That shouldn't be the case, but I guess that's the only explanation.
Even though the "Human Transformation" had enhanced her physical abilities, she still felt fatigue when she pushed herself too hard.
Time to head back and rest for a bit. I'll treat myself to something delicious too, heh heh.
Qin Yu grinned. "Since all the monsters are gone, let's head back. After reporting to the Millelith, we'll grab something good to eat!"
"Mm," Shenhe replied.
Only when Qin Yu approached did Shenhe turn and start walking. After a few steps, she noticed Qin Yu hadn't immediately followed, so she glanced back.
Qin Yu was pressing her forehead, her face pale.
"Qin Yu? What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Shenhe immediately returned to Qin Yu's side, gently grasping her shoulders and asking softly, her voice tinged with an uncharacteristic emotion.
But Qin Yu only heard Shenhe's voice as if it were coming from a distant place, as if she were trapped in endless darkness. Mumbling voices replaced Shenhe's words, echoing in her ears.
These whispers were fragmented, unable to form coherent sentences, yet they radiated deep-seated resentment and hatred.
Though the malice wasn't directed at Qin Yu, it still made her deeply uncomfortable. Her headache intensified, as if a suppressed memory, once stimulated, was trying to burst through her skull.
My only friend... of course, I have to protect her...
Before her eyes materialized the tear-filled eyes of a young Keqing.
Qin Yu remembered this scene, but that was the limit of her recollection. Instead, the gradually clarifying darkness around her felt increasingly familiar and terrifying.
I've felt this before...
Just as Qin Yu felt she was about to be swallowed by the darkness, a comforting warmth against her skin roused her consciousness, pulling her back to reality.
Through a hazy daze, she recognized a familiar, delicate fragrance. The outline of a hand pressed against her back.
It took her several seconds to realize she was being held tightly by Shenhe, their body heat almost melding together.
Qin Yu felt utterly flustered.
What's going on? Why is Shenhe hugging me? And so tightly! Why?! Even if she wanted to hug me, couldn't she have said something first? Besides, she shouldn't even be thinking about hugging me!
"Shenhe? Why... why are you holding me?" Qin Yu asked, her face flushed.
"Because you seemed scared."
Scared? Did I show it? Qin Yu suddenly didn't know what to do.
"So... you just hugged me?"
"Mm. When you hugged me before, I felt very warm and secure. I thought it might work for you too. How do you feel now?"
So you thought this would work and didn't even ask my opinion before grabbing me? Couldn't you have tried something else? Like, patting my shoulder or something?
But... it was working.
Qin Yu didn't really want to answer, but not responding felt awkward. She could only nod vaguely.
Her face felt like it was burning; she hoped Shenhe couldn't tell.
Shenhe relaxed her grip slightly.
"That's good."
Evaluation: A
Qin Yu hesitated, then carefully returned the hug, fidgeting with Shenhe's hair. She felt a pang of unease, realizing Shenhe hadn't asked anything more.
Aren't you going to ask anything else?
"Shenhe, aren't you going to ask me what happened?"
"If you want to tell me, I'll listen. But even if I don't know, I'll stay by your side like this, so there's no need to worry or hesitate."
Evaluation: A+
She's saying those words again.
They sound so good, but aren't they just shifting the choice back to me? This woman... why can't she just say "I want to hear" directly and save me the trouble?
Besides, this isn't exactly an easy topic to discuss.
"Do you want to hear about it, Shenhe?"
If you don't want to hear, I won't say a word. If you do, I'll tell you.
"Yes."
As expected. I can't avoid it... But Qin Yu herself didn't fully understand what had happened. After considering how to explain, she finally said:
"It was like suddenly having a nightmare—dark, cold, and not pleasant at all."
To prevent Shenhe from worrying, Qin Yu added:
"But I'm fine now. Thank you. It's all thanks to you."
"There's no need to thank me. I didn't do anything."
Ha? Then what are you doing?
Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, her dissatisfaction growing with each thought. Every time, Shenhe would disrupt her composure with this "it's just instinct, nothing to make a fuss about" attitude.
But what could she do? That's just how Shenhe was.
"Let's head back," Qin Yu said, releasing Shenhe's hand and stepping away.
"Mm."
Shenhe suddenly sensed a presence. She looked up and saw a green-haired youth standing on the cliff edge. Without a word, he turned and left.
"What is it?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"Nothing, just saw someone I know."
"Eh? Where?"
Could he have seen Shenhe hugging me? Qin Yu anxiously scanned her surroundings, repeatedly using Wave Detection, but found no one.
Has he already left?
Oh god... Wait, wait, wait, there's really nothing wrong! It was just a hug.
Qin Yu relaxed again.
But who exactly was this "someone I know" that Shenhe mentioned?