Wangshu Inn truly lived up to its reputation.
In Liyue, it was undeniably a high-end establishment—top-tier food, fine wine, and impeccable service. Whatever one could ask for, it had it all.
Famed throughout the region, the inn's architecture was especially striking. Built along mountains and waterways, its layered structure rose elegantly upward, each floor fitted with observation decks that overlooked the bustling splendor of Liyue Harbor.
As night fell, lanterns lit up one by one, making the entire inn appear as if it were floating amid a sea of stars—breathtaking beyond words.
Nahida wandered around happily, hopping from place to place. If not for Idris, she might have spent her entire life confined within Sumeru. In truth, many people across Teyvat never even left their homeland once.
Distance was one reason.
Fear of the unknown was another.
Everything here fascinated her.
She discovered that the inn offered not only Liyue cuisine, but also exquisite handicrafts. What caught her attention most was a small garden in the courtyard—rare flowers and exotic plants blooming vibrantly, releasing a soothing fragrance.
As the God of Grass, she was used to such scenery in Sumeru, yet finding a place like this beside Wangshu Inn felt truly special.
"Grand Sage Idris," Nahida asked softly,
"Can I take some of these flower seeds back with me?"
She didn't ask the owner—she asked him.
Idris crooked the corner of his mouth.
"Wait here."
Then he turned toward Zhongli.
Zhongli froze, his expression one of quiet despair. He covered his face and turned away slightly.
"Take them. Take whatever you want," he said flatly.
"I'll pay for it later."
Nahida's eyes sparkled with delight. She knew the Grand Sage was always generous. As for Mr. Zhongli—she didn't really know him, but if Idris knew him, that was good enough.
She continued exploring and soon found an empty high platform. Since the food would take some time, she skipped up there on her own.
When Idris turned back, Nahida was already gone.
He wasn't worried. She had clearly found something interesting again.
Hu Tao, however, felt uneasy and excused herself to follow.
Once she left, the atmosphere at the table instantly grew tense.
Zhongli stared at Idris with unconcealed displeasure, as though he wanted to swallow him whole.
Idris remained relaxed.
"Mr. Zhongli, why are you so angry?" he said casually.
"It's just an identity. What's there to hide? Besides, this can't go on forever. Haven't you heard? Paper can't wrap fire forever."
Zhongli snorted coldly.
"Grand Sage of Sumeru… I truly misjudged you. I thought you were a man of substance, yet here you are threatening me with my identity. Is this really all Sumeru is capable of?"
Idris waved his hand dismissively.
"Hey, hey—watch your words. When did I threaten you? Wasn't this all voluntary? Hu Tao already said she'd pay even if you didn't. Don't flatter yourself."
Then his tone sharpened slightly.
"And honestly? What you did was far worse. Look how many people in Liyue are heartbroken. Compared to that, aren't you the real villain here?"
Zhongli's brows knit tightly, his gaze sharp as a blade. He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger.
"Grand Sage Idris," he said coldly,
"Your words are disappointing. Do you think tricks and pressure will make me yield? I have my own plans. And let me be clear—I will never work for you."
Idris remained unfazed.
"Fine, fine. But your temper's a bit much, don't you think? I'm just stating facts. Liyue's people place immense hope in you. Corner yourself too much, and you won't have a way out."
Then he added lightly,
"If you ever reconsider… Sumeru's always open to you."
After a brief pause, he casually tossed out another line:
"Oh, right—Azhdaha's been acting a bit restless lately."
Zhongli's eyes darkened.
"Grand Sage, you know too much," he said slowly.
"I act for Liyue's sake. And I know some matters can't be resolved with schemes alone."
At last, Idris's smile faded.
"I have plenty of methods," he said seriously.
"As for Liyue's problems—solvable with a flick of my hand. Otherwise, why would I waste time talking to you?"
Zhongli fell silent.
After a long while, he finally spoke.
"I will consider your words, Grand Sage."
The tension between them eased slightly. Both understood that some matters were better left vague. As the saying went—water too clear holds no fish.
Suddenly—
"ZHONGLI! THERE'S A GHOST—HELP!"
Hu Tao's scream echoed from above, shattering the fragile calm.
Idris and Zhongli exchanged a glance before rushing toward the sound.
It came from higher up.
Idris leapt into the air, vanishing in an instant.
Zhongli's eyes flickered with surprise.
The Grand Sage truly was extraordinary.
On the high platform, Hu Tao stood pale, trembling as she pointed forward.
Following her finger, Idris froze.
Standing before Nahida was a green-haired short figure, positioned right at the platform's edge.
"…What's going on?" Zhongli asked as he arrived.
When he saw it, his expression matched Idris's shock.
"Nahida—come here," Idris called out.
The green-haired figure glanced over. No wonder Hu Tao screamed—the short figure was wearing a mask.
"Grand Sage, this person gave me a flower," Nahida said cheerfully.
"He said it's a Liyue specialty and told me to plant it when I get home."
She proudly held up the flower.
Idris gently patted her head.
"You're not scared of him?"
Nahida turned back toward the green-haired figure, about to answer—
but the once normal-looking figure suddenly revealed a ghastly, monstrous form.
"AH—!"
Nahida screamed and instantly dove into Idris's arms.
Silence.
Zhongli fell silent.
Idris fell silent.
Both turned slowly toward the green-haired shorty—
their gazes turning distinctly unfriendly.
Only then did the figure realize he had transformed at the worst possible time.
He raised his hands hastily, signaling them not to attack, and quickly withdrew his combat form.
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