Finally!
After so much hard work, she'd finally reached one hundred thousand karmic debt! Who knew what she'd endured over these past few months?
She could finally activate the system's spatial teleport! Unfortunately, one hundred thousand karmic debt could only bring back one person. She'd have to carefully consider whether to bring back Indarias or Menogias first.
"That was tough!" Bonanus sighed to herself. The days of accumulating karmic debt had been truly exhausting.
After going to another dimension to bring someone back, she'd have to continue gathering karmic debt again. The same tedious killing every time—so dull.
"Is something wrong?" Watching Bonanus sit there happily muttering to herself, a question mark practically appeared over Granny Ping's head.
Had she encountered something interesting?
"Nothing, just suddenly thought of something amusing." Bonanus rubbed her head lightly, a joyful smile spreading across her face.
She was thrilled. The thought that in just a few minutes she'd be able to save Xiao's family members excited her beyond measure. Truly exhilarating.
"That excited look of yours doesn't seem like you just 'suddenly thought of something.'"
Granny Ping chuckled softly and didn't press further. Since Bonanus didn't want to share, asking more would only make things awkward.
Seeing that Granny Ping wasn't going to pursue the matter, Bonanus nodded approvingly.
"Sister Ping, I need to visit Rex Lapis now. I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave." Bonanus stood up, pressing a hand to her chest.
"Go on. Come back soon." Granny Ping waved casually, offering no further speculation. They were family—excessive guessing served no purpose.
She just hoped Bonanus would be careful. Praying nothing went wrong.
Bonanus nodded slightly. After taking one last sip of tea and nodding to Granny Ping, she departed.
---
Elsewhere
Childe and Zhongli, having just finished their meal at Wanmin Restaurant, strolled slowly down the street. They walked aimlessly—simply wandering.
"Mr. Zhongli, why do all Liyue restaurants only provide chopsticks? It's very difficult for us foreigners." As they walked, Childe complained helplessly.
He'd never been able to use chopsticks properly. In Snezhnaya, he was used to knives and forks. Being told to eat with two sticks felt awkward no matter how he tried—like a country bumpkin.
"You'll get used to it." Zhongli responded flatly, offering no further explanation.
After all, Childe had complained about chopsticks several times already. Rather than engage, Zhongli let him figure it out himself. With Childe's intelligence, he'd eventually adapt.
"This isn't something you get used to in a day or two." Childe smiled helplessly.
Changing one's habits was difficult. Regardless, Childe would certainly work hard to adapt—that was simply who he was. He wanted to master everything.
Even chopsticks.
Though... given the choice, he'd prefer using knives and forks.
Zhongli closed his eyes and nodded slightly, hands clasped behind his back, walking like an elderly man.
At this point, the only thing separating Zhongli from looking like a proper old gentleman was a walking stick. Add one, and he'd be the spitting image.
"Mr. Zhongli, where are you headed next?" Childe changed the subject.
"The weather is lovely today. I might go listen to some opera." Zhongli looked up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face as he responded calmly.
"You certainly have refined tastes." Childe smiled lightly.
"Unfortunately, I have business to attend to later. Won't have time to join you." Childe spread his hands apologetically, wearing the expression of a weary wage worker.
Childe was nothing like Zhongli, who seemed to vacation every day. As the Tsaritsa's most capable subordinate, he had to carry out his assigned tasks.
He also needed to lay the groundwork for future operations—troublesome matters, but to Childe, merely scratching the surface.
Just as Zhongli was about to respond, he fell silent. He gazed into the distance, brow slightly furrowed, speaking softly.
"Hmm... this day has finally come..."
After saying this, he waved to Childe and continued.
"As it happens, I have matters of my own to attend to. Let's part ways here."
Hearing this, Childe nodded. After a moment's thought, he realized their plan was proceeding smoothly. The Fatui members were still traveling throughout Liyue, handling various tasks.
With that in mind, Childe suddenly realized he had nothing to do at the moment...
How boring. Since there's nothing to do, might as well find some entertainment.
With that thought, Childe vanished in an instant. His speed was remarkable, and judging by his expression, his idea of "entertainment" likely meant finding strong opponents to spar with.
After seeing Childe off, Zhongli didn't linger. He walked slowly toward his destination: Jueyun Karst.
---
Jueyun Karst
The northwestern region of Liyue, perpetually shrouded in clouds and mist, a mountain range untouched by human presence. This place was called Jueyun Karst—the realm of the adepti, as people called it.
The mountains held many wonders, but due to the complex terrain and steep paths, few ventured here. Legend had it that this area was where the adepti who guarded Liyue made their secluded homes.
Because of this, it attracted those seeking immortality and divine blessings.
Being adeptal territory, many dared not come here easily, fearing they might inadvertently offend the adepti. People had heard true stories about this place.
The gist of one story: a band of thieves came here to dig for treasure. Their actions were so egregious, so offensive to the adepti dwelling in the mountains, that they were swallowed by amber and imprisoned for three days and three nights.
No food. No water. Each person trapped alone in a block of amber, unable to communicate, unable to move. Utter despair.
These thieves were eventually rescued by a passing swordsman. After being freed, they tried to flee, but after three days without food, how could they possibly overpower a seasoned warrior?
In the end, their fate was predictable: starved for three days, imprisoned for three days, beaten for ten minutes, then handed over to the Millelith.
Pathetic beyond words. These thieves had attracted every ounce of bad luck imaginable, not understanding what they should or shouldn't do.
As mentioned, Jueyun Karst was frequented by adventurers, swordsmen, and chefs gathering ingredients—people generally bolder than most.
They believed that as long as they did no harm and didn't disturb the adepti, they wouldn't face punishment. And this was largely true.
As long as you didn't disrupt the adepti's peace, whether gathering herbs or catching fish, exploring ruins or anything else, the adepti wouldn't interfere.
Except for certain foolish Treasure Hoarders, willing to do anything for money. These imbeciles always believed luck was on their side, that they wouldn't be caught by the adepti.
Their eventual outcomes were predictable.
In summary: few people came to Jueyun Karst, unlike other places with constant wagon traffic.
This was precisely why Bonanus had chosen this location. She'd deliberately found a narrow mountain path that wouldn't be disturbed by Treasure Hoarders or crossed by adventurers.
All this to avoid attracting attention, preventing rumors from spreading and causing unnecessary trouble. She just hoped the system wouldn't make too much noise.
Now, Bonanus waited quietly for Rex Lapis, preparing for the upcoming rescue mission. Hopefully, everything would go smoothly.