Cloud Retainer observed Ningguang's resolute demeanor for a long while without speaking.
If Ningguang truly dared to build and sacrifice another Jade Chamber, it would indeed easily resolve this crisis.
However, in Cloud Retainer's view, this was ultimately not the proper path.
She glanced sideways at the Guizhong Ballistas in the distance and said calmly, "This adeptus has examined your replicated and modified Guizhong Ballistas. You do possess some novel ideas, actually enabling ordinary humans to operate such instruments of war."
"Not bad. Learning from past failures." "Planning ahead to face crises." "Significant improvement compared to last time."
Listening to Cloud Retainer's praise,
Ningguang walked over to Lin Mo with a smile, gently linking her arm with his. "The mass production of the replicated Guizhong Ballistas was primarily made possible by Lin Mo's wisdom."
At this, everyone turned their gaze toward Lin Mo.
After the previous Jade Chamber battle against Osial,
everyone had learned that Lin Mo was one of Liyue's original adepti.
Simultaneously, he was also the mentor who enlightened the God of Dust, Guizhong.
It could be said that most of Liyue's technological advancements originated from Lin Mo.
Previously, everyone had wondered how Ningguang managed to create Guizhong Ballistas operable by humans.
Now, they finally had the answer.
The puzzle in everyone's hearts was solved at last.
Lin Mo simply offered a faint smile without further explanation.
The simplified version of the Guizhong Ballista was merely something he had created within Ningguang's dream long ago, mass-produced as weapons for her isolated nation.
Even Lin Mo hadn't expected Ningguang to replicate this technology in reality.
Cloud Retainer gave Lin Mo a brief, indifferent glance.
Then, shifting her gaze back to Ningguang, she said, "We shall consider this a barely passing grade for now. There will undoubtedly be more trials in the future. This adeptus will be watching you."
"As long as I hold the position of Tianquan, I will protect Liyue's safety," Ningguang replied with a smile.
Thus,
represented by Cloud Retainer,
the transition of Liyue from "rule by gods" to "rule by people" was successfully completed.
However, Cloud Retainer was not in a hurry to leave.
Instead, she turned her gaze to Shenhe and said calmly, "Shenhe, a few years ago, I saw you sneak down the mountain only to return quietly, looking distressed. Coming to Liyue Harbor this time, has your state of mind... changed?" "Yes, though it's hard to describe..."
As Shenhe spoke, she looked toward Lin Mo and smiled. "But... I'm happier than I imagined."
"That is good."
Cloud Retainer nodded.
Her eyes shifted to Lin Mo.
She probably guessed it too.
Shenhe and Lin Mo likely shared a hidden past, just like the others.
With a tone of earnest concern, she said, "Lin Mo, this child Shenhe... I entrust her to your care."
Lin Mo smiled, drawing Shenhe closer by her shoulder. "Rest assured, I won't let Shenhe suffer any grievances."
At this moment, Cloud Retainer seemed to recall something. "Speaking of which... This adeptus remembers many of her childhood anecdotes..."
As soon as these words were spoken,
a glint of interest flashed in Lin Mo's eyes.
He wondered, did Shenhe cause some amusing incidents under Cloud Retainer's tutelage?
Beside them, Ganyu couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth into a smile, eagerly awaiting Cloud Retainer's story.
Unexpectedly, Shenhe hurriedly interrupted, "Um... That won't be necessary."
"Is that so?"
Cloud Retainer seemed somewhat displeased. "Hmph. One after another, all the same. If you don't wish to hear it, so be it. This adeptus returns!"
With that, Cloud Retainer spread her wings and soared into the sky.
Watching Cloud Retainer depart, Shenhe couldn't help but sigh in relief.
Ganyu's eyes widened, her face a picture of utter bewilderment.
Her expression seemed to say:
You can just interrupt like that?
Shenhe! How could you show such disrespect to an adeptus?
If I'd known you could interrupt...
Earlier... I would have interrupted when Cloud Retainer was about to tell my childhood embarrassments too!
Seeing Cloud Retainer leave,
Ningguang turned back to the group with a smile.
"Everyone, please follow me to the Jade Chamber for a proper rest."
"We shall celebrate both the completion of the Jade Chamber and Liyue's successful navigation of the crisis. I believe this banquet will be unprecedentedly lively."
Soon, everyone once again set foot upon the Jade Chamber.
"Wow~ Everyone's already seated~"
Paimon was the first to notice the banquet guests.
Acting Grand Master Jean led the Knights of Favonius, seated at four round guest tables.
Jean, Klee, Venti, Amber, Kaeya, Mona, Lisa, Diluc, Barbara, Albedo, Razor... Most members of the Knights of Favonius and the Church of Favonius were present.
The Raiden Shogun and Ei from Inazuma also occupied three round guest tables.
Ei, Makoto, Chiyo, Yoimiya, Kokomi, Sayu, Kitsune Saiguu, Kamisato Ayaka...
Yae Miko, in her small pink fox form, was still stretching lazily on Lin Mo's lap and hadn't taken her seat in time.
All the Liyue attendees were present as well.
Zhongli led a table of Liyue's adepti.
Keqing, Ganyu, Yanfei, Hu Tao, and Qiqi shared a table.
Even representatives from Snezhnaya, Tartaglia and Rosalyne, accompanied by two Mirror Maidens, sat at a round table.
As Lin Mo, Shenhe, and the others stepped onto the Jade Chamber,
each person greeted them with a sincere smile.
"Wow! So lively!"
Paimon looked at the familiar faces joyfully. "This is my first time attending Miss Ningguang's banquet on the Jade Chamber! I bet there'll be lots of delicious food~"
"You are all esteemed guests of mine, Ningguang."
Ningguang smiled and nodded, her gaze sweeping over the assembly. "Today, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
"Guests who do not drink may substitute with fine tea."
"Fine wine delights, yet what truly delights is not the wine itself. I believe the splendid view from the Jade Chamber can also refresh the spirit."
As Ningguang spoke,
Secretary Baiwen approached, placing glasses of coconut milk before Qiqi, Klee, and Sayu in turn.
"Sayu isn't a child... just... doesn't grow tall..."
Sayu mumbled, pouting slightly as if displeased.
This elicited gentle smiles from everyone present.
And at that moment,
Yun Jin, dressed in magnificent attire, stepped onto the stage.
Seeing this, Lin Mo quickly whispered a reminder, "The 'Divine Damsel of Devastation' is about to begin."
With that, he took Shenhe's hand with his left and the Traveler's with his right, leading them to the nearest round table to be seated.
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T/N:
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