The red blood mist drifted slowly through the courtyard, attempting to heal the wounded Yaksha.
Truly, the blood of the Qilin lineage was remarkable. Its gentle, soothing presence felt almost welcoming. If one could sell it, surely it would fetch a high price!
But such thoughts could only exist in dreams. No one would be foolish enough to sell their own blood, nor would anyone dare demand it—after all, they didn't want to go to prison.
And its healing effects were top-notch. Before long, the bloody gash on Bonanus's chest slowly closed, new flesh forming in its place.
The black smoke no longer seeped from the wound, and the blood began to coagulate over the fresh tissue. Bonanus's complexion was gradually improving. Everything was moving in the right direction.
The treatment was effective, but... it still needed a little more.
A few minutes later...
Ganyu slowly rose from her kneeling position. The wound on her palm had also healed. She closed her eyes, exhaled a few breaths, then turned to the two behind her.
"Rex Lapis, Bonanus is out of danger. There's no need to worry too much."
Zhongli and Granny Ping both nodded in relief. Good. For such a fatal wound to be saved was nothing short of a miracle.
But Granny Ping remained both curious and cautious about the power that had fought against death. Something so extraordinary... surely it carried some danger.
However, judging by Rex Lapis's expression, he seemed to know about it. As for why he hadn't said more? Probably because he had signed some contract.
Since Rex Lapis already knew, she didn't need to investigate further. He would never act without certainty.
"You have worked hard." Relieved, Zhongli returned to his usual demeanor and said calmly to Ganyu.
"Since it was your command, I had to carry it out. Besides, the one who needed help was Bonanus." Ganyu nodded, but then her expression turned worried.
"Rex Lapis, may I ask what happened? Do I need to notify the other adepti?"
Ganyu's expression grew alert. A creature capable of harming both the Conqueror of Demons and another fearsome Yaksha... must be a terrifying presence. If necessary, the adepti in the mountains might need to mobilize again.
But with Rex Lapis in Liyue, it probably wouldn't cause much trouble.
"No need. Some details of this matter cannot be disclosed to outsiders. Please keep it confidential." Zhongli shook his head, indicating not to inform the other adepti.
"I understand." Ganyu nodded, but then continued, "There is one more thing I would like to ask, Rex Lapis. Shouldn't Menogias... have passed away?"
Zhongli looked helpless. He placed his hands behind his back, his expression seemingly indifferent, but in truth, his mind was tangled in a most agonizing question.
Yes, why did a dead person appear? Such a violation of the natural order, if allowed to exist too much in this world, would only lead to ruin.
Be they human, time itself, or even gods—all have their own rules. Normally, these should not change. Too many alterations would only make the ending ugly.
Moreover, this behavior completely defies heavenly principles. The sleeping heavenly principles do not permit the existence of 'external factors.'
Knowing all this, why still do it? This question had plunged Zhongli into deep thought. Was it curiosity? Interest? No...
It was longing. It was emotion. People often say gods have no feelings, do not weep, and hold supreme authority and no longer care about such things.
But desire, love, hate, separation, reunion—these too are part of a god's humanity. Their love for living beings, their friendships, their affections—
They all exist. It's simply that the people under their protection do not understand.
Such a headache...
Zhongli gazed quietly at the sky, his thoughts growing complex once more. He had pondered this question for a long time. One day, two days... perhaps even longer.
Something that could trouble even Morax. Yet he did not regret it.
---
On the other side
Seeing Rex Lapis lost in his own thoughts, Ganyu and Granny Ping exchanged puzzled glances. To think he would show such an expression.
A leader's emotions always affected those around them. Ganyu and Granny Ping were no exception.
"Rex Lapis... has something truly happened?" Ganyu pressed further.
Granny Ping stood to the side, hunched over, saying nothing, quietly waiting for Zhongli's response.
Snapping out of his reverie at the question, Zhongli turned his head and explained calmly.
He was probably about to weave a story...
"Menogias did not die as rumored. The records said a body was found, but in truth, he was merely in a deep slumber. Only today did he awaken."
"As for why no word was given during that time, there were internal reasons. The details are not convenient for outsiders to know."
"As for how they encountered danger, they must have been ambushed by villains. After all, even in this peaceful era, Liyue still has enemies."
Hearing this explanation, the two adepti nodded. Though somewhat far-fetched, Rex Lapis had spoken.
The atmosphere grew quiet. Each of them had words stuck in their throats, unsure how to express them.
"I'm back!" The one who broke the silence was Yanfei. She had just finished her current workload and came back to rest.
But as she rushed into the courtyard, ready to have tea with Granny Ping, she saw the scene before her.
In that moment, her expression froze. Her movements became stiff. She stood there, dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.
What happened? Why are Sister Bonanus and the Conqueror of Demons lying there? And that handsome, unfamiliar man... who is he?
Wait, he's not entirely unfamiliar. He looks familiar. Like someone from a book...
Who is he?
"Ahem... enough talking. Let's get these three inside to rest. Leaving wounded people on the cold stone floor isn't right." Granny Ping smiled awkwardly. Why did Yanfei have to come back now? Even she was startled by her—Yanfei usually never came back at this hour.
"Wounded? What happened? Were there enemies?" Hearing the word "wounded," Yanfei tensed up.
As she spoke, she stepped forward to help. She used all her strength to lift Bonanus, carrying her to her own room.
Those two large claws of Bonanus's were quite heavy.
Seeing this, Ganyu also came to help. Before long, the three were taken to an empty room to rest quietly, undisturbed by any noise...
"Thank you for your trouble." Zhongli nodded.
"By the way, why is Mr. Zhongli here?" Yanfei asked curiously. People from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor rarely came up here.
Seeing this, Granny Ping smiled helplessly. This girl, don't ask what shouldn't be asked! She walked over and led Yanfei into the room.
"These are matters for adults. Come, let Granny tell you something."
After the two entered the room and left, in the courtyard, only Ganyu and Zhongli remained. They exchanged glances. Zhongli said calmly,
"Go attend to your own affairs."
Ganyu slowly shook her head. She looked up at Rex Lapis, as if she had something to say...