The Jade Chamber — a magnificent palace suspended high above Liyue's skies.
It was Ningguang's private property, a symbol of her power, wealth, and wisdom.
To most citizens of Liyue, the Jade Chamber was distant and awe-inspiring, rarely accessible.
To Liyue's elite, its master was known for reading hearts, mastering rhetoric, possessing extraordinary intelligence, and scheming deeply. Becoming her enemy rarely ended well.
Yet inside this noble palace, within Ningguang's bedroom, few would imagine that the dignified Tianquan, the famed "thousand-faced beauty," could show such a captivating, intimate side.
This was a side she never revealed to the world.
She lay on her side upon the bed. Her silk night robe hung open, fully exposing her ample curves. Faint marks decorated her pale skin. Her silk pajama bottoms were damp and slightly pulled down, hanging loosely around her calves.
Her long white hair spilled across the pillows. Her eyes were closed, as if she had fainted from exhaustion. A lingering blush colored her face, blending elegance with languid charm.
Beside her lay another stunning young woman — equally disheveled, robe loosened, smooth skin exposed. Her white nightdress was rucked up, pale thighs marked faintly with traces not yet fully dried.
Her purple twin tails were slightly messy. Her doll-like face carried a trace of lingering afterglow. She slept peacefully.
Who would believe these were two of Liyue's ruling Qixing — Tianquan and Yuheng?
Unfortunately, Lu Lin didn't witness this scene. Otherwise, he would surely have immortalized it with his Kamera.
But Lu Lin was busy.
Black-silk Ganyu had been far too enchanting to describe.
From nine in the evening until one in the morning, the two had gone back and forth relentlessly, neither willing to concede. Their stamina was absurd.
At one in the morning, still unsatisfied, they moved to the Serenitea Pot.
Partly because Ganyu's old bed couldn't withstand such intensity — it had collapsed.
More importantly, Lu Lin remembered that Ningguang would be presiding over the Rite of Descension. He didn't want to exhaust her too late.
(Though the sturdy desk had proven quite durable earlier.)
Ganyu didn't need to attend the ceremony, so they indulged freely. Lu Lin even explored some variations unique to her.
With Ganyu's quiet consent, he took a few commemorative photos as well.
He had an idea to create a private collection album one day.
It was a shame he hadn't kept copies of Ningguang's earlier photos. She had likely destroyed them.
Such perfect compositions, gone.
The Next Morning
Lu Lin woke at a reasonable hour, washed up, changed into fresh clothes, and left the Serenitea Pot feeling completely refreshed.
Ganyu remained inside, catching up on sleep.
Liyue Harbor was bustling — the annual Rite of Descension was about to begin. Citizens eagerly speculated about Rex Lapis' guidance for the coming year.
As Lu Lin strolled, he overheard countless discussions.
If he remembered correctly, the Traveler Lumine should be arriving in Liyue today as well.
Sure enough, near Feiyun Slope, he spotted a blonde girl in a white dress asking for directions.
She had a delicate, pretty face, short golden hair with longer strands framing her cheeks, a white belted dress, and long boots — clearly a seasoned adventurer.
Floating beside her was her small companion, Paimon.
Lu Lin knew she sought Rex Lapis for clues about her brother, which would lead her to the Rite.
There was no need to approach yet.
He would wait at Yujing Terrace and appear at the right moment.
Just as he turned away, someone tapped his right shoulder.
He instinctively turned — no one there.
A cheerful laugh sounded at his left ear.
"So even clever Lu Lin falls for such a simple trick?"
He reached back, caught the slender hand attempting mischief, and pulled its owner into his arms.
The familiar faint scent of plum blossoms lifted his already excellent mood.
"When did you get back?"
"This morning! Had breakfast at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and came straight to find you!"
"So eager? Missed me?"
"Of course! You haven't been in the Serenitea Pot these days. I went several times and you weren't there."
"Sorry. I went to Cuijue Slope with Xiangling."
"Oh? So you won her over? That's great! Now we'll have someone cooking in the pot!"
"So you all already knew about Xiangling and me?"
"Of course. It wasn't hard to guess!"
They walked arm in arm toward Yujing Terrace.
The terrace was packed with spectators and worshippers.
With agile movements, Lu Lin and Hu Tao slipped onto a high boulder — uncrowded and offering an excellent view.
From there, Lu Lin saw Ningguang at the center of the plaza.
Today she wore a magnificent ceremonial gown, posture upright, movements graceful and dignified.
Yet he could tell — her vitality wasn't quite as full as usual.
After last night, that was hardly surprising.
Only someone like him could feel this refreshed the next morning.
As the ceremony proceeded, Hu Tao suddenly acted.
While everyone's attention focused on the ritual, she turned and abruptly kissed him.
Lu Lin was caught completely off guard.
He thought:
Wait.
One of your Empathic Link sisters is currently presiding over the Rite of Descension.