As for Makoto's side, he waited for Yae to take the twin sisters away, and after confirming that the two groups had separated, he then took Ganyu and the Little Cuties back to their residence.
Makoto's thought was to send everyone back first, and then set off for the immortal abode of Minghai Qixia True Monarch to search for the mingxia flotation stone.
Makoto looked at Ganyu, who was currently taking care of the children, and said softly, "Ganyu, I need to go out for a while to find something called 'mingxia flotation stone.'"
"You stay home and rest well today to conserve your energy for tomorrow's work."
As Liyue's First Secretary, Ganyu's daily workload was so immense that even three secretaries couldn't complete it.
During Ganyu's vacation, Yuehai Pavilion must have been overwhelmed with work.
Presumably, when Ganyu returns to Yuehai Pavilion, a mountain of work will be waiting for her.
Makoto was worried that Ganyu would overwork herself, so he arranged for her to rest more at home today.
In fact, Makoto had already decided to work overtime with Ganyu tomorrow, so she wouldn't be so exhausted.
Upon hearing Makoto's words, Ganyu gently shook her head.
She said with a serious expression, "Please... let me go with you."
"For me, the best rest is to be with my brother."
Seeing Ganyu's determined attitude, Makoto couldn't refuse.
Additionally, to successfully reach the immortal abode of Minghai Qixia True Monarch, immortal arts were needed to dispel the illusion.
In the original plot, Shenhe used immortal arts to help Traveler reach the immortal abode of Minghai Qixia True Monarch.
The current Xiao Shenhe has not yet developed that capability, and Ganyu can perfectly take Shenhe's place.
Therefore, Makoto agreed and allowed Ganyu to join the team.
Seeing this, the Little Cuties at home opened their arms and hugged Makoto, not letting him leave.
The Little Ones pouted, looking wronged and on the verge of tears.
"Brother Makoto, are you going to abandon us again?"
"Didn't you say that no matter where you go, Brother Makoto would take us with you? Brother Makoto is a liar."
"I don't want to, I don't want to be separated from Brother Makoto."
"Qiqi... wants to be with Makoto."
Looking at these adorably mischievous Little Ones, Makoto immediately squatted down and gently explained to them.
"Little Ones, it's not that I'm intentionally leaving you behind, but this journey still carries risks..."
Makoto knew very well that there were many monsters near the immortal abode of Minghai Qixia True Monarch, and they could pop out from anywhere.
Although all the Little Cuties have awakened their Visions, Makoto didn't want them to be in danger, so it was better for them to stay at home.
After much persuasion, Makoto finally promised to arrange a day to take the Little Ones out for a spring outing, which finally stopped their crying.
Looking at the Little Cuties whose emotions had calmed down, Makoto felt a little emotional.
As the time spent together increased, these Little Ones seemed to become more and more clingy...
As soon as Makoto and Ganyu stepped out of their residence, they saw Venti, who was slacking off.
"Mr. Faxun, are you going out? Why don't you take me along?"
You can see Venti anywhere outside of Mondstadt, and this statement is absolutely true.
Venti, that sly old fox, came to Makoto again for free food and drinks.
Makoto didn't even think twice about Venti's request and immediately agreed.
He just happened to need someone to do the heavy lifting.
So, it's decided! You're the one, Slacker Barbatos!
Soon, Makoto also explained to Venti that the purpose of this outing was for the mingxia flotation stone.
"mingxia flotation stone? What's that? I feel like I've never heard of it before."
Venti scratched his head, completely bewildered.
"It's a magical stone that breaks free from shackles and ascends to the sky. I plan to use the mingxia flotation stone to create a palace suspended in the air."
Makoto didn't hide anything from Venti and directly explained the mingxia flotation stone.
He paused and continued, "And according to mountain folklore, Minghai Qixia True Monarch's immortal abode contains many treasures, perhaps the mingxia flotation stone I want is there."
Upon hearing the words 'Minghai Qixia True Monarch,' Ganyu, who was beside them, also spoke, "Minghai Qixia True Monarch indeed built a Grotto-Heaven containing treasures."
"Before Minghai Qixia True Monarch passed away, she said she didn't mind people taking things from inside the Grotto-Heaven."
"Let me think, the location of that Grotto-Heaven should be near Lisha."
As Cloud Retainer's disciple, Ganyu also knew a thing or two about past events.
Now that she heard Makoto wanted to find the Grotto-Heaven left by Minghai Qixia True Monarch, she voluntarily offered to lead the way for Makoto.
Before long, the three arrived at Lisha.
Ganyu removed the immortal art concealing their tracks, and a Seelie immediately appeared before the three of them.
Following the Seelie, the three arrived at an immortal realm, stepping on clouds, yet unable to find a path forward.
Even Ganyu, facing such a situation, was at a loss for a moment.
Seeing this, Makoto concluded, "We have encountered a spell that blocks space."
"To enter the Domain, we must destroy the spell mechanism."
Looking at the illusion before them, Venti stroked his chin and fell into thought.
Seeing Venti thinking seriously for once, Makoto asked, "Venti, do you have any ideas?"
"No, I was just thinking how great it would be if this place was used to store wine."
Looking at Venti's serious expression, Makoto knew he was being earnest.
Indeed, the drunkard poet's mind was only filled with wine.
Just then, a green smoke appeared beside the three of them.
The next second, Xiao descended directly from the sky.
"Xiao, why are you here?" Seeing Xiao's sudden appearance, Makoto was a little surprised.
In the game's plot, Xiao had no role here.
Xiao glanced at Makoto, then replied faintly, "I was worried you might encounter some danger, so I followed to check."
"You want to enter this Grotto-Heaven, don't you? Understood."
As he spoke, Xiao extended his hand.
The moment he raised his hand, a rumbling sound came from the Grotto-Heaven, like a mechanism activating.
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