It wouldn't be safe otherwise. Ganyu felt like she was going to die of embarrassment!
Keqing and Ningguang were caught in an endless loop of petty jealousy, leaving Ganyu and Beidou feeling utterly helpless. The "backyard" was practically on fire, yet these two were still throwing childish tantrums. One relied on her youth and vitality, while the other leaned on her sophisticated maturity. Neither side was willing to back down.
Finally, Ganyu reached her limit and snapped.
"You two... calm down!"
Thud! Thud!
Ganyu gave each of them a swift headbutt. This finally silenced Keqing and Ningguang.
This secretary, who had served Liyue diligently for thousands of years, was usually elegant, refined, and as quiet as a maiden in repose. To see her lose her composure and explode like this was almost unprecedented! Realizing they had driven even someone as gentle as Ganyu to the breaking point, the two women immediately settled down.
Ganyu was, after all, an Adeptus who had lived for a millennium. Compared to her, they were essentially toddlers.
Beidou, seeing the situation, laughed awkwardly and beat a hasty retreat. Her heart was racing with shock. 'Did I see that right? Miss Ganyu actually got angry?! Terrifying... just terrifying...'
Seeing everyone finally quiet, Ganyu crossed her arms. "You were the ones who said Rex Lapis no longer concerns himself with the mortal world, and that it was time to start the era of Rule by Humans. How can we do that if you're constantly bickering like this?!"
Hearing Ganyu's lecture, Ningguang and Keqing lowered their heads, not saying a word. Ganyu then explained the plan for their journey to Jueyun Karst.
"...So, the Lord's fake death was surely intended so that both humans and Adepti would eventually forget him. More importantly, Osial, Overlord of the Vortex is highly likely to break his seal. We need to take precautions early."
After Ganyu finished, Ningguang and Keqing both fell into deep thought.
A moment later, Ningguang nodded. "Ye Xi's inner thoughts mentioned before that the Jade Chamber might be destroyed in a great catastrophe. It must be because of the Overlord of the Vortex breaking the seal."
"We will proceed as planned. Ganyu, you and Ye Xi should head to Jueyun Karst to seek the aid of the Adepti."
Since the Overlord of the Vortex had been mentioned, Ningguang had to take it seriously. Years ago, in order to suppress that ancient god, Rex Lapis had cast down his Stone Spears. Those spears had transformed over the centuries into the floating islands and mountains known as Guyun Stone Forest.
If it took such massive Stone Spears just to pin him down, how could they possibly solve the problem without the Lord? At the very least, they needed the Adepti to help.
Keqing nodded in agreement but then let out a sigh. "In that case, Ganyu, you'll be alone with Ye Xi for quite a long time..." She looked over with eyes full of envy, clearly wishing she could go as well.
Ganyu's face turned bright red. "The trip to Jueyun Karst, all the way to Mt. Aocang, will probably take three or four days round trip. You must hold the fort until we return. I also need to inform the various Perfected Lords about the Lord's fake death, otherwise, they might suspect the Qixing were involved in his passing."
Beidou nodded. "Ganyu is right. For this trip, only Ganyu is suitable. Keqing, you still have a mountain of work, so stay here and do your job properly."
Keqing sighed dejectedly. She knew Beidou was right. She was just an ordinary human and wasn't familiar with those Perfected Lords. Even if she followed Ye Xi to Jueyun Karst, she wouldn't be able to achieve anything. Ganyu was different; she was close with the Adepti and could actually talk to them.
She felt a twinge of regret: 'If only I hadn't been so dismissive of the Adepti before. I should have at least gone to pay my respects during the Lantern Rite to make my face familiar.'
Ganyu spoke softly, "Then, Ye Xi and I will set off."
As she watched Ganyu prepare to leave, Keqing said reluctantly, "Ganyu, take good care of my husband."
"Husband?!" Ningguang's voice rose an octave as she huffed. "Is 'husband' a title you're allowed to use? How far do you think you've even gotten with him?"
Keqing's face flushed with anger. "Why can't I call him that? That day, I didn't just call him husband, I called him my lord! Ye Xi even took the initiative to hug me. Did he hug you?"
"..."
Seeing that they were about to start another round, a weary Ganyu made her escape. In truth, she was also secretly looking forward to this trip for two with Ye Xi. The more she thought about it, the redder her face became.
Ye Xi returned to the Qixing Mansion to prepare.
There wasn't much to get ready, as most of his things were already stored inside the Serenitea Pot. He didn't have to worry about sleeping in the wild; he could travel during the day and rest inside the pot at night.
His only concern was whether something like the last incident would happen if he left the Serenitea Pot out in the open. However, in the wilderness at night, there shouldn't be many people around.
While he was packing, an ethereal system prompt echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations! You have received a Mountain Motorcycle Trial Card.]
[Trial Card Duration: One Day.]
Ye Xi was overjoyed. This was exactly what he needed. He was just worrying that walking such a long distance would wear his legs out. With a vehicle, things would be much more convenient!
Speaking of which, he hadn't had the chance to use the rewards he got last night. Once he returned to the Serenitea Pot tonight, he needed to hurry and renovate the house. He could also catch a few Slimes along the way.
Once he finished packing, a gentle voice came from outside the door. "Ye Xi, I'm ready."
He could tell it was Ganyu just by the sound. If time weren't so tight, he would have loved to invite her in for a bit. Maybe even a little nap...
Shaking off his unrealistic fantasies, he pushed the door open. Ganyu had changed back into her usual signature outfit. Feeling Ye Xi's gaze, she lowered her head and whispered, "It's a long journey, and I didn't want to ruin the other clothes. Besides, this outfit is what the Perfected Lords are most familiar with."
Ye Xi couldn't help but smile. "Ganyu, it's just a set of clothes. If they wear out, just throw them away. I'll get you plenty more in the future!"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but marvel internally. [What a good girl, she treasures a single set of clothes so much! She's thrifty and knows how to manage a home. She's the perfect wife!]
Hearing Ye Xi's words and his inner voice, Ganyu's face reddened slightly, and she nodded gently. "I... I'll do as you say."
Ye Xi smiled. "Ganyu, where is your luggage? I can put it in the Serenitea Pot."
He actually could have just put Ganyu inside the pot and traveled alone, letting her out once they arrived. But since he had this rare chance to be alone with her, he wasn't about to waste it. A man shouldn't be so dull as to miss out on the atmosphere.
Ganyu's eyes flickered with a hint of joy. "This is my luggage." She shyly pulled out a large bundle. Inside, one could see it was packed with Qingxin and Sweet Flowers.
Ye Xi sweat-dropped. [Truly a little foodie. Her entire luggage is just food...]
Hearing Ye Xi's heart, Ganyu felt her cheeks burning. She felt a little defensive. 'Who said it's only food? There are daily necessities in there too! Though... there is a bit more food than usual...'
After storing Ganyu's luggage in the Serenitea Pot, Ye Xi and Ganyu left the Qixing Mansion. This time, he decided to take a different route. They would cross the wooden bridge above Liyue Harbor and head north toward Guili Plains before circling back to Jueyun Karst. The main reason was that this path was relatively free of obstacles.
He had checked the map. From Liyue Harbor to Guili Plains, and from there to Jueyun Karst, there were straight dirt roads. Even on a mountain motorcycle, a bumpy ride for too long would be painful.
They descended from Yujing Terrace and headed down, eventually leaving Liyue through the Tianheng Gate. Along the way, many members of the Millelith looked on with envy.
"Lord Ye Xi is heading out with Miss Ganyu again!"
"Even after something so big happened, are they going on a date?"
"Work is work, but life is life. Maybe they have other business to attend to?"
"Man, being able to go on a date with Miss Ganyu... that's truly impressive."
"I'm so salty right now..."
After leaving Liyue and walking for a few minutes, Ye Xi stopped Ganyu. "Wait a moment. I'm going to take out our vehicle."
"A vehicle?" Ganyu asked curiously. She didn't understand what he was talking about. She had actually enjoyed the slow pace; it felt like a couple's stroll, which was quite nice. The air was fresh and the scenery was beautiful. Walking and chatting like this was very atmospheric.
Ye Xi reached into his spatial backpack and pulled out the mountain motorcycle. When the machine appeared before Ganyu, her eyes widened in shock.
"This... what is this?"
Having lived for a millennium as a half-Adeptus, she had never seen such a machine. It felt magical and strange to her, like something completely new.
Ye Xi introduced it with a grin. "This is called a mountain motorcycle. I can't really explain the principles behind it, but you'll understand once you get on."
[How am I supposed to explain this? This kind of vehicle never existed in Teyvat. The conceptual principles are impossible to describe.]
Ganyu understood immediately upon hearing his heart. This tool must be from the world Ye Xi came from. She and Ningguang shared the information they gathered from Ye Xi every day, so she had already confirmed it through Ningguang: Ye Xi was definitely not from the continent of Teyvat!
Ganyu nodded but didn't know what to do with the motorcycle. The seat was very high, and she wasn't sure how to get on.
Ye Xi chuckled. "Should I lift you up?"
Ganyu's face turned red, and she hesitated, but she didn't refuse. "Um..."
Hearing that, Ye Xi didn't hesitate. He placed one hand on her fragrant shoulder and bent slightly to hook his arm under her slender legs, sweeping her up in a princess carry. Before Ganyu could react, her feet had left the ground and she was in Ye Xi's arms.
Being held like this, a look of startle flashed through her eyes, but she couldn't help but let out a small smile. Being held for the first time felt so happy, warm, and safe. A small spark of excitement lit up in her heart.
Because Ganyu had changed back into her original outfit, a large portion of her snowy back was exposed. This led to direct contact between his skin and her delicate, smooth flesh.
Seeing the smile on Ganyu's face, Ye Xi marveled internally.
[A light silk fan and white orchid, a slender waist and jade belt dancing in heaven's silk. Like a fairy descending to earth, a single glance back outshines the stars!]
[I have to marry her. Ganyu must be my wife!]
[Her back is so smooth!]
[Her legs are so soft and slender.]
[She's so light. I need to make sure she eats more in the future!]
[Once I have electricity in the Serenitea Pot, we'll have light even at night. I won't have to keep changing the time.]
[I'll plant massive fields of Qingxin and Sea Ganoderma for her!]
[I'll make sure she's always full!]
Because he had been too lazy to light candles before, he would simply change the Serenitea Pot's internal time to daytime whenever it got dark. This had made the conditions poor for growing plants. Now that he had a generator, he could farm in peace!
Hearing Ye Xi's heart, Ganyu grew even more bashful. She felt she didn't deserve such beautiful poetry. However, if she married Ye Xi and could eat all the Qingxin she wanted every day,
she would be very happy indeed! She had always had a dream: to lie in a field of Sweet Flowers or Qingxin and just pick them to eat as she pleased. To eat her way through the field until she left a trail behind her. It was a childish dream, but a happy one!
Ye Xi placed Ganyu on the bike and then climbed on himself. At first, he had been worried about fuel, but luckily, this bike was electric-driven. He just had to keep channeling Electro energy into the battery to keep it running.
"Ganyu, you need to hold on tight." He turned back to explain when he realized she hadn't grabbed his waist. "Otherwise, the speed will be quite fast. It'll hurt if you fall off."
Ganyu had no idea where to grab. Ye Xi took her soft small hands and placed them on his waist. "Hold here."
Ganyu jumped slightly, her face turning crimson. 'Isn't this just like hugging him from behind? How embarrassing...'
Because she was too shy, she pulled her hands back slightly, only gripping the fabric of Ye Xi's coat with her fingers. This was acceptable to her. If she had to hold him the whole way, she might have melted from the sheer embarrassment.
Ye Xi frowned slightly. How could she not hold on tight?
He gave the throttle a slight twist, and the motorcycle lunged forward like a wild horse. It was just a brief feint.
"Ah!"
Ganyu hadn't expected the motorcycle to have so much power and was startled. Instinctively, she threw her arms around Ye Xi's waist and held on for dear life, terrified of falling off.
[Good. Safety first.] Ye Xi was very satisfied with the result. Having Ganyu pressed tightly against his back felt inexplicably wonderful.
"We're off. Stay steady."
With that, he twisted the handle, and the motorcycle sped down the stone road with a roar. Ganyu's face was flushed red, her heart pounding. She had been scared to death! She really thought she was going to be thrown off. Even now, her heart was thumping wildly!
But holding onto Ye Xi's waist felt incredibly grounding. She instinctively leaned against his back, a sense of dependency growing in her heart.
The scenery on both sides blurred as the motorcycle left a trail of dust, departing Liyue.
After they were gone, a figure stood atop a mountain peak. The man's calm, stagnant eyes showed a hint of surprise.
"It feels a bit like... the wisdom of Khaenri'ah..."
"This person is certainly no ordinary mortal..."
"By universal rationality, it seems another idea could be implemented..."
Zhongli closed his eyes and sank into contemplation. A gentle breeze blew past, causing his clothes to flutter in the wind.
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