Lingju Pass was one of the key Fatui strongholds in Liyue.
The ruins here were ancient, and beneath the crumbling stone lay buried treasures and secrets. The Fatui had been studying Lingju Pass extensively, spending considerable time analyzing the complex seals that protected the deeper areas.
If they continued their efforts, they were confident they could eventually breach the barrier.
Childe's plan was simple: finish the induction speech for the new recruits, then dispatch them to scour the area for loot as a practical exercise.
But now, with Chongyun and Xingqiu entering the ruins, things had become inconvenient.
True, Xingqiu had claimed they were only hunting evil spirits, not treasure. But it was still a headache.
Why did they have to come here of all places? Childe massaged his temples.
"Lord Harbinger."
Beside him, a Fatui Elite agent whispered urgently, "With those two wandering around inside, what about our operation? Should we cancel the treasure hunt for now?"
"Postpone it," Childe ordered with a frown. "Wait until they leave Lingju Pass."
"For now... this gives me the perfect opportunity to teach the rookies a special dance. It improves physical coordination."
Childe turned back to face the formation of recruits, his voice booming. "Listen up! Next, I will teach you a form of dance. This technique will enhance your body coordination and finger dexterity—skills that can save your life in battle."
"In combat, if your mind reacts but your body lags behind due to poor coordination, you die. Therefore, everyone must learn this."
With a flourish, Childe produced the Eternal Power Idol Trainee Video Player.
Seeing their Harbinger take out a device, the recruits looked ecstatic.
"Did you hear that? The Lord Harbinger wants to personally teach us a coordination dance! It's special training!"
"This is incredible! To receive personal instruction from a Harbinger... what an honor!"
"I can't believe it. Are rookies like us truly worthy?"
...
The recruits murmured in excitement. They had expected to just receive orders and be sent off to work. They never dreamed the Harbinger would personally oversee their physical training.
"Any objections?" Childe barked.
"Sir, no sir!"
"Good spirit." Childe nodded with a satisfied smile. "Now, follow the trainee in this video. Everyone, place your basketballs beside you. Watch the player on your left, and watch me on your right. I will demonstrate personally. Mimic my movements exactly."
"Yes, sir!"
The recruits nodded vigorously, like chicks pecking at grain.
A few seconds later, the music started. Childe began to dance in sync with the "Idol Trainee" on the screen.
Though confused by the style, the recruits followed along with religious fervor.
On the green grass of Lingju Pass, a surreal scene unfolded. A platoon of elite soldiers dancing, the rhythmic thump-thump-thump of dribbling basketballs echoing through the valley, carried by the wind.
"What is that noise?"
Not far into the ruins, Xingqiu and Chongyun stopped.
They looked up toward the source of the sound—a rhythmic, chaotic thumping coming from the Fatui position.
Xingqiu frowned. What kind of madness are those Fatui up to now?
"Forget it. Let's find the spirit first," Chongyun said, withdrawing his gaze. He couldn't be bothered with Fatui eccentricities.
"Mhm." Xingqiu nodded, and the pair ventured deeper into the ruins.
Meanwhile, in the skies above Liyue.
Outside the Jade Chamber.
Baiwen walked in, carrying a white carrier pigeon.
"Lady Ningguang, a message from the nation of Fontaine."
She deftly removed the small cylinder tied to the bird's leg and extracted a letter.
"A letter from Fontaine?"
Ningguang raised an eyebrow.
Usually, diplomatic correspondence from Fontaine went through Gan Yu. Why was it flying directly to the Jade Chamber? Relations between Liyue and Fontaine were neutral—strictly business.
She opened the letter.
"Hm?"
Her eyes scanned the text quickly. A moment later, a knowing smile touched her lips. "Fontaine wishes to send a technical exchange team from their Research Institute. They want to learn about Liyue's steel ship technology."
"I see. Beidou must have been spotted sailing the Steam Battleship. No wonder they're suddenly interested."
Ningguang tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Fontaine prided itself on being the most technologically advanced nation. Seeing a steel-hulled steamship from Liyue must have shaken them.
"Lady Ningguang, this is an opportunity," Baiwen said, her eyes lighting up.
"Our Shipbuilding Bureau hasn't fully mastered the steel hull construction or the steam engine technology yet. We're still reverse-engineering Captain Beidou's ship, which came from the Jar Shop."
"If Fontaine's technicians come here for an 'exchange,' we can learn from them. They understand steam mechanics better than we do. We show them our half-finished steel prototypes, and in exchange, we glean their knowledge on engine efficiency."
"We will likely gain far more from this exchange than they will. It could be the key to finally mass-producing our own battleships."
"Precisely," Ningguang agreed. "Beidou will return soon. Let our technicians milk the Fontaine team for information first. By the time they've told us everything they know, we can let them tour the actual Battleship."
"Understood." Baiwen nodded and went to draft a reply.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps approached. Keqing walked in, holding a Message Crane.
"How is the cinema?" Ningguang asked with a smile.
"Orderly. No issues," Keqing replied, her voice cool and efficient. "However, I sent someone to the Northland Bank. The Harbinger is missing."
"According to the Millelith at the checkpoints, he left the city early this morning. His destination is unknown."
"Also, an Inazuma delegation has arrived. Gan Yu is currently arranging their accommodations."
"The Harbinger is gone?" Ningguang blinked, then her expression shifted to surprise. "Wait, an Inazuma delegation? Isn't the country in lockdown? What are they doing here?"
"I don't know much about Inazuma's internal affairs, but according to the registration log, they claim the lockdown is still in effect. They came specifically to find Gan Yu," Keqing explained, her brow furrowing slightly. "The group includes a Vision holder—Electro—two civilians, and a Fontaine national."
"If they're looking for Gan Yu, they must have been sent by Yae Miko," Ningguang mused. "Gan Yu handles Inazuma relations. We'll wait for her report."
"Agreed," Keqing nodded. "One more thing. Miss Ying'er from Scent of Spring has applied to open a 'Magazine Store.' She claims it's for selling publications. We'll know more when it opens tomorrow."
"Ying'er?" Ningguang raised an eyebrow. "Her perfumes are excellent. I assumed she'd expand that business. A magazine store... interesting. Keep an eye on it."
While the Liyue Qixing discussed state affairs, a different kind of business was unfolding at the Heyu Tea House.
Ying'er smiled mischievously at the young opera singer before her. "Miss Yun Jin, what do you think of this outfit?"
Yun Jin stood before her, dressed in a stunning ensemble. It was an ancient, ethereal style, yet modernized.
On her legs, she wore white lace fishnet stockings adorned with delicate floral patterns. Unlike standard hosiery, the texture and design were incredibly eye-catching, adding a layer of allure to her traditional elegance.
The dress itself was light and airy, cinched at the waist with a red ribbon.
"Mmph."
Yun Jin nodded, her face flushing red.
The clothes were beautiful—Ying'er hadn't gone too far with the design. But the fishnet stockings... they made her feel a strange mix of shy and bold.
"See? It fits you perfectly. You look gorgeous," Ying'er cooed, circling her like a predator admiring a prize. "You won't be the only one in the magazine, but you are the star. The finale. This photo will be the cover."
"If you're okay with it, I'll send it for printing today. We start selling tomorrow. How does that sound?"
"O-Okay," Yun Jin nodded obediently.
"Great! Now, let's take some photos."
Ying'er picked up the camera, grinning. "Strike a pose for me, Yun Jin."
Yun Jin complied, moving through her opera poses, but her face remained a deep crimson. She looked adorable—like a treat waiting to be eaten.
Meanwhile, on Mt. Aocang.
Shenhe ascended the mountain path.
Behind her, the large white robot, Baymax, followed faithfully.
Above them, a drone buzzed through the air. Shenhe controlled it with a remote as she walked.
Upon reaching the entrance to Cloud Retainer's abode, Shenhe looked up.
Her gaze fell upon the stone table in the center of the clearing.
A pot of tea sat there, steam still rising from the spout.
It was a sign. Someone had been drinking tea here just moments ago.
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