Qingce Village, Stelle had never been there before.
However, she did have some understanding of the place.
Located in the northernmost part of Liyue, it was a village hidden among hills and bamboo forests.
In the valleys there were crescent-shaped terraced fields, scale-like, which from afar looked like layers of colorful waves.
The scenery was as beautiful as a paradise.
Unfortunately, compared to the beautiful scenery, the village itself seemed a little deserted.
Most of the residents were elderly and children, with young people mostly choosing to make a living in Liyue Harbor.
If anything, this place seemed very suitable for reclusion.
It was just a pity that Stelle currently had no thoughts of reclusion...
"I heard that the person in charge here is called Grandma Ruoxin. This village isn't big, and there aren't many people, so it should be easy to find her."
Yan'er, walking ahead, turned his head and said to Stelle.
Clearly, he had been to Qingce Village before, at least much more familiar with it than Stelle.
"Oh, oh..."
Stelle nodded, following Yan'er forward.
The two arrived at the end of the village's main road, and after asking a child, they quickly found the pavilion where Grandma Ruoxin was.
"Hello, Grandma Ruoxin."
Stelle greeted first.
Grandma Ruoxin turned around, saw Stelle, paused slightly, then a kind smile appeared on her face.
"Hello, you are such pretty young ladies. Welcome to Qingce Village."
"Thank, thank you."
Stelle rubbed her head.
Her own charm ability had a miraculous effect on the elderly; although due to physical reasons, it probably wouldn't create that kind of desire for Stelle, the goodwill in their hearts towards Stelle would definitely not be low.
"Grandma Ruoxin, do you recognize this fragment?"
Yan'er impatiently took out the fragment.
"A fragment? Is it something rare? Let me see..."
Grandma Ruoxin took the fragment.
She didn't seem to have presbyopia; the fragment could be seen by holding it normally. However, because the pattern was very unusual, she still took a long time to finish observing it.
"Hehe... No wonder you don't recognize it. The patterns on it are not [words] but [pictures]."
"Where did this come from?"
"We found it in the ruins. Uh, this is a scholar, currently researching these things."
Stelle explained.
But speaking of Yan'er's identity as a scholar, it felt a bit strange.
"I see... A long time ago, the ancestors of Qingce didn't use written words, so they used these pictures to record events."
Grandma Ruoxin nodded, beginning to explain the origin of the pattern to the two.
"Look, this actually represents the pattern of the [Chi]. It seems that the [picture] used to express the [Chi] is very large and complex. Only a small part is recorded here, but it's enough for me to recognize it."
"You are truly amazing."
Stelle said, while looking down at the fragment, but even though Grandma Ruoxin explained, she couldn't quite understand it.
"It's nothing amazing. I've just lived a long time and still remember the stories the elders told."
Grandma Ruoxin smiled.
"I guess this probably records the battle between Rex Lapis and the Chi, but I can't make out much more than that."
"After all, it's just a fragment... So if we put it back together, would you be able to understand it?"
Yan'er quickly asked again.
"Hehe... I can't guarantee that I'd understand the complete one, but I certainly can't understand this incomplete one."
Grandma Ruoxin smiled, then said.
Stelle and Yan'er exchanged glances, then Yan'er immediately stated, "Then we'll go find the remaining parts right away. We'll have to trouble you, old lady, to take a look then."
"Young people are so energetic, that's good, very good... According to what's recorded on this fragment, in my opinion, if you truly want to find the remaining parts or related items, it's best to go to higher ground."
"Higher ground?"
"That's right, the legendary battle between Rex Lapis and the [Chi] happened on high ground. You can try your luck in the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, this battle also left many traces; it's definitely right to pay attention to the ruins in this area."
Grandma Ruoxin continued to explain.
Then she paused, and looked up at the two:
"A struggle, there must be a defeated side. According to the legend, after defeating the [Chi], Rex Lapis taught the ancestors to create something called a [rock statue] to suppress the remaining power of the [Chi]."
"rock statues? So, the three strange rock statues we found today were rock statues?"
Yan'er clapped his hands and said.
"In short, the more rock statues in a place, the higher the chance of finding clues about the [Chi]. I remember there's a place on the west side of Qingce Village that worships many rock statues. Legend has it that it was a place where Rex Lapis suppressed the [Chi]. You can go there first to take a look."
"We understand, thank you, Grandma Ruoxin."
Yan'er was very excited and quickly thanked Grandma Ruoxin.
Normally, he wouldn't be so polite.
"You're welcome, you're welcome. When you find the remaining parts, come find me. I'm usually here."
— —
High ground, the west side of Qingce Village. Their itinerary was now set.
However, they were not in a hurry to depart now, especially Yan'er, who needed to make some preparations.
So, in Qingce Village, he and Stelle temporarily separated.
This left Stelle feeling a bit idle for a moment, so she simply sat at a tea stall and drank tea.
She knew that the preparations Yan'er had to make were probably not just about this matter; some were likely about her...
But it didn't matter. No matter how much Yan'er prepared, it would be difficult for him to defeat her. The possibility of an unexpected failure was minuscule.
"Alas, I'm afraid we won't be able to leave today. By the time he returns, it'll probably be dark."
Stelle thought, stroking her chin.
It seemed they would have to stay in Qingce Village for the night and depart tomorrow.
Stelle looked at the children playing and frolicking not far away.
Although their voices were not quiet, they didn't make one feel noisy. This village was so deserted; perhaps only these children could add a bit more liveliness to it.
Stelle stared blankly at the children in the distance, and just then, a young voice brought her back to her senses.
"Uncle Kai, two cups of tea for me."
It was the voice of a young woman.
This greatly surprised Stelle, as all she had seen on her journey so far were elderly people and children.
Stelle couldn't help but fix her gaze on the young woman who had already taken a seat at the tea stall.
She was quite pretty...
Unlike those in Liyue Harbor who wore heavy makeup, she possessed the unique charm of a village girl.
Perhaps I should go strike up a conversation.
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