Monday.
Yelan visited the shop.
Xia Zhi took out the bracelet he had made and handed it to her.
"It provides stealth, speed, and Hydro affinity. It should help with your intelligence-gathering and missions."
Yelan glanced at her [Mystic Jade Bracelet].
The [Mystic Jade Bracelet] was inscribed with special arts that allowed her to detect nearby elemental and magical fluctuations. Its glow and flickering intensity indicated an object's power—the brighter and faster, the stronger.
Right now, the bracelet was flashing a frenzied blue light, brighter and more rapid than anything she had ever seen.
"This… is too precious."
"Don't say that. Aren't we friends? It's only natural to exchange gifts. You gave me a Wonder Core last week."
"But that was—"
"Enough, enough. Just take it. I have no use for it—you're the one who needs it most."
Yelan fell silent for a moment before finally accepting it.
"Then… thank you, Mr. Xia."
"Use it well. Try not to come back covered in injuries all the time."
"Mm… I'll try."
---
Thursday, afternoon.
Yuehai Pavilion.
Ningguang was in her office, reviewing documents.
After finishing a stack, she set down her pen and stretched, only to jolt in surprise when she looked up and saw a figure standing silently before her desk.
Her eyes focused—it was a familiar face.
"Yelan? When did you get here?"
"About fifteen minutes ago."
"What? That long? Why didn't I hear you knock?"
"I walked in when Baishi left to deliver some documents."
"You just… walked in? Baishi didn't see you?"
"Nope. She couldn't—I was stealthed."
Yelan's form flickered slightly, her figure growing translucent.
Ningguang stared, intrigued.
"How did you do that?"
"Just a trick of light refraction. A little Hydro manipulation."
"…I don't really understand, but I'm impressed."
Ningguang waved a hand, smiling.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I want to go to The Chasm."
Ningguang blinked. "…What?"
Yelan's expression was serious. "I intend to investigate the anomalies beneath The Chasm."
Ningguang frowned. "No. It's too dangerous. We still don't know the full situation—if something happens to you, it'll be a disaster."
"Don't worry. The Fatui are lying low, the sea threat has just been resolved, and everything is stable. I've already arranged all intelligence operations—even without me, things will run smoothly for two or three months."
"We can send someone else. We could even post a commission with the Adventurers' Guild—"
"We've tried those methods already, haven't we? The Chasm has been sealed for months. We've sent people, but none have returned with useful intel. Most adventurers come back empty-handed. If that blonde traveler were here, maybe there'd be hope, but she's in Inazuma now."
"But—"
"Lady Ningguang, The Chasm's resources are the foundation of Liyue. We can't afford to let it remain idle."
"…"
"Besides, The Chasm is tied to the disappearance of my ancestors. I also want to investigate that."
"Sigh…"
"Lady Ningguang, you've seen my stealth ability."
"What if it fails?"
"Then it doesn't matter—because my combat strength has also improved significantly."
Yelan raised her hand, and her bracelet glowed.
A massive Hydro arrow materialized behind her, resembling a rocket launcher.
Ningguang swallowed hard, staring at the terrifying weapon now aimed at her, her scalp prickling.
If that arrow were fired, the entire Yuehai Pavilion might collapse.
"What in the world…?"
"Just a little Hydro manipulation."
"You call this a little?!"
"It was little, but Mr. Xia gave me this bracelet. With its Hydro affinity, it got… slightly bigger."
"…"
"Lady Ningguang—"
"Fine, fine! Go! Just get rid of that thing!"
Yelan lowered her hand, and the Hydro arrow dissipated.
"Lady Ningguang, it's almost time. Shall we go to Mr. Xia's place for fried chicken?"
---
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