"You mean… we're going to look for the… Adepti?" Paimon's eyes widened in disbelief, as if Childe had just suggested chasing a myth.
The comment section was still in turmoil:
[Cloud Retainer]: So it has come to us at last. As expected—another crisis mortals cannot handle.
[Keqing]: @Tartaglia Are the Fatui deliberately trying to drive a wedge between the Qixing and the Adepti?
[Tartaglia]: Heh. Perhaps your own Qixing should ensure their methods aren't so… full of holes.
[Tartaglia]: The Traveler and Paimon merely attended the Rite of Descension for the first time, yet they're nearly branded assassins.
[Tartaglia]: Faced with such injustice, it's only natural I lend a hand.
[Tartaglia]: Right, dear Traveler? And you too, little Paimon?
[Paimon]: I still think all Fatui are bad guys. You're just… slightly less bad than the others.
[Scaramouche]: ...
Childe pointed north of Liyue Harbor.
"To find the Adepti, head north out of the city. Pass west of Guili Plains, and you'll reach a towering stone forest—Jueyun Karst."
"Common folk believe that's where the illuminated beings dwell."
Lumine frowned. "That sounds like folklore."
"Which is exactly why mortals only dare worship at the outer incense burners," Childe replied. "But I don't rely on belief."
"I rely on intelligence."
"The Adepti are very real."
Paimon folded her arms. "Your information network is scary… But why are you so eager for us to find them?"
Childe smiled lightly.
"When mortals seek Adepti, it's usually for wealth, healing, or romance."
"But you?"
"You seek justice."
"Justice?" Paimon tilted her head.
"The Qixing have sealed the harbor and are searching for an assassin among the witnesses."
"Tell me—do you truly believe a mere mortal could assassinate the God of War?"
He leaned forward slightly.
"Their response feels… rushed. Inconsistent with their usual precision."
[Keqing]: Tartaglia! That is slander!
Lumine spoke calmly. "You suspect they're hiding something?"
"Perhaps. Or perhaps something deeper is at play."
He continued:
"We cannot delay the Millelith forever. But the Adepti? They answer to no mortal law."
"Liyue was founded by Rex Lapis and the Adepti together—through force and iron."
"If anyone holds authority above the Qixing right now… it's the Three-Eyed, Five-Manifested Immortals of Jueyun."
[Cloud Retainer]: See? Even mortals know to seek us when wronged!
[Liyue Citizens]: Lady Ningguang and the Qixing have always served Liyue faithfully!
[Cloud Retainer]: Hmph!
Beidou's voice cut in:
[Beidou]: Tartaglia, why are you so eager to send them there?
[Beidou]: Adepti aren't easily found—especially by outsiders.
[Yanfei]: Ahem! Shouldn't a legal expert be involved at a time like this?
[Yanfei]: With me, the premier legal consultant of Liyue, justice would be swift!
[Madame Ping]: Yanfei does know how to make use of her strengths.
[Cloud Retainer]: Speaking of Yanfei reminds me of Ganyu…
[Cloud Retainer]: Perhaps I should share some of Ganyu's childhood anecdotes—
[Ganyu]: Adeptus! Please don't!
[Yae Miko]: I want to hear~
Ignoring the growing chaos in chat, Lumine made her decision.
They had no time.
Lumine and Paimon left Liyue Harbor at once.
They crossed the Guili Plains.
Climbed winding cliffs.
Entered the mist-veiled stone forest of Jueyun Karst.
Ancient incense burners stood silent among towering pillars.
As they approached one—
A thunderous voice echoed across the mountains.
"Who dares trespass upon Jueyun Karst?"
They spun around.
Upon a high stone pillar stood a majestic being—
Deer-bodied, human-faced.
Eyes ancient and piercing.
Mountain Shaper.
His gaze weighed upon them like stone.
"State your names," he commanded.
"And your purpose."
Paimon gulped.
Lumine stepped forward, gripping the Sigil of Permission.
"We come regarding Rex Lapis."
Silence.
The wind stilled.
Mountain Shaper's expression hardened.
"…Speak carefully, mortal."
The trial of the Adepti had begun.