"Master Lu Ban—the Geovishaps and the hatchlings also ran out. I don't know what spooked them, but they've all rushed out. My brothers are outside keeping watch!"
Following the Millelith soldier, Ji An and Lu Ban rejoined the others. They observed for a few moments and confirmed the report. From the surrounding mountain slopes, Geovishap hatchlings would occasionally burst from the earth, scrambling frantically outward. As the number of full-grown Geovishaps grew, their heavy, earth-shaking footfalls began to merge into a single, thunderous rhythm—a deep, resonant pounding that made the very mountains seem to tremble.
Confronted with this terrifying spectacle, the Millelith soldiers managed to hold their ground, though their faces had gone pale. The other support staff, however, lost all strength in their legs and collapsed to the ground.
"What in the world is happening?!"
"Did something provoke these monsters?"
Ji An frowned, exchanging a glance with Master Lu Ban.
Lu Ban spoke first. "You've noticed it too, haven't you, lad?"
Ji An nodded. "Mmm. They're all fleeing in the same direction. That Geovishap we saw earlier was the same..."
"The direction of Nantianmen," Lu Ban mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Is something over there drawing them?"
The abnormal mass exodus of the Geovishap herd piqued their intense curiosity.
After a moment's consideration, Master Lu Ban shook his head. "Let it be. Once we return, we'll report this to the Jade Chamber. Our primary objective remains securing the intelligence on the Ruin Guard."
Ji An nodded in agreement—it was the most prudent course. Yet an idea struck him, and he sent a silent call inward: "Herloxia, once you're clear, follow that Geovishap herd. Scout the Nantianmen area and see what's truly happening."
...
Liyue Harbor
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe descended from the Jade Chamber, returning to solid ground.
"Disciple," Cloud Retainer began, her voice tinged with concern, "are you certain you will not return with me?"
Shenhe nodded, her reply soft but firm. "Master, I have already informed Lady Ningguang. I wish to remain in Liyue Harbor for a time... to clear my thoughts."
"Clear your thoughts..." A complex emotion stirred within Cloud Retainer. Why would her disciple need such clarity? Had she grown weary of mountain life? Or perhaps... weary of her master's company?
"Very well. As long as it brings you peace, Disciple." In the end, Cloud Retainer could only offer these words before taking wing, her form soon vanishing into the sky.
Shenhe watched her master depart. The moment the adeptus was out of sight, her eyes sharpened, losing their previous softness.
Earlier, she had cross-referenced the information Ningguang provided. Mr. Ji An from the ruins investigation team was undoubtedly the mortal she had saved. The memory of her negotiation with the Abyss Herald and the piercing regret of her abandonment sent a fresh pang through her heart.
But there was no time to dwell on that now. She had a far more important task.
Shenhe needed to determine, once and for all, if Ji An was her An'er.
"Using a personal belonging of the subject as a medium..." she murmured to herself.
Following Ningguang's directions, she arrived at the inn in Liyue Harbor where Ji An was staying. Without hesitation, she strode inside, her long legs covering the distance quickly.
Her entrance immediately drew the attention of the waiter and the patrons. A woman of her striking height, icy beauty, and melancholic aura was a rare sight, even in a city as large as Liyue Harbor.
"Miss, will you be dining or staying with us?" the waiter inquired eagerly.
"I am neither dining nor staying," Shenhe replied, shaking her head. "I wish to inquire about someone."
The waiter was momentarily taken aback. "Miss, this is an inn. If you're looking for someone, perhaps you should try elsewhere?"
"The person I seek has been lodging here recently," Shenhe stated plainly.
"Ahem, so you're looking for one of our guests." The waiter's expression turned guarded. "In that case, miss, I must ask you to leave. I'm afraid I cannot disclose that information."
Shenhe's brow furrowed slightly.
Under the intense gaze of this cold beauty, the waiter felt immense pressure. An aura of formidable strength seemed to emanate from her. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "Miss, it's truly impossible. We cannot casually reveal our guests' information to anyone, or we wouldn't be able to stay in business."
Shenhe thought for a moment. "I am not 'anyone.'"
The waiter looked confused. "Huh?"
After a brief hesitation, Shenhe lowered her voice and whispered, "I might be... his mother."
"?"
...
Shenhe was very politely escorted out of the inn.
Before she left, the waiter even kindly pointed her in the direction of Bubu Pharmacy.
"Miss, you seem like a respectable person. One shouldn't neglect an illness. The proprietor of Bubu Pharmacy, Master Baizhu, is a highly skilled physician. Perhaps he can prescribe some remedies for you."
Shenhe wasn't the least bit offended by his words. Or rather, she currently had no mental energy to spare on anything else.
She stood outside the inn's entrance, her gaze fixed on a second-floor window, seemingly deep in thought.
A moment later, she made a decision.
Avoiding the bustling crowds, she circled around to the back of the building. Then, with a light leap, graceful as a swallow, she used her toes to tap lightly against the inn's wall, propelling herself effortlessly up to the second floor.
She arrived at the first window.
'Spirit, emerge!'
Shenhe silently chanted the incantation. An ice-blue Talisman Spirit materialized, bringing with it a swirl of wind and snow. The surrounding temperature plummeted instantly.
"Master, I have answered your summons. Where are the evil spirits?" The Talisman Spirit floated mid-air, its killing intent palpable.
"There are no evil spirits," Shenhe said, pointing at the window. "Pass through there and open the door for me. Be careful not to be detected."
"..."
A short while later.
"Not this one."
Shenhe climbed out of the first room and began searching the second.
Then came the third room, the fourth...
Finally, she entered the fifth room.
This guest room was also empty but neatly tidied. A set of clean, folded clothes lay on the bed. Judging by their size and style, they belonged to an adult male. Nothing in the room was particularly distinctive.
Yet, Shenhe's heart skipped a beat. She closed her eyes, her delicate nose twitching slightly as if catching a scent.
That's him. It's his scent.
A moment later, she opened her eyes, a flicker of excitement crossing her face.
A personal belonging...
Recalling the details of the divination art, her gaze fell upon the pile of clothes on the bed. Shenhe stepped forward, placed her hand on the fabric, and began channeling her adeptal energy.
However, the result disappointed her.
No good. The clothes have been washed, and too much time has passed. I can't perform the divination.
Is there anything else? Something more recent?
Shenhe frowned, lost in thought.
Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the pillow on the bed. Shenhe leaned down, carefully searching the bedding for a moment, and then picked up several strands of black hair.
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