At Liyue Harbor's docks, the Adepti carried Lu Lin, Ningguang, and the others safely down onto the pier.
They looked out toward the sea. The waves had calmed. The ocean was peaceful once more.
The earlier tidal surge had knocked many Millelith soldiers and Crux Fleet sailors into the water. Fortunately, with the sea now steady, rescue efforts proceeded swiftly, and everyone was pulled ashore.
The financial losses were considerable, but casualties were minimal. All things considered, the crisis had been resolved almost perfectly.
Lu Lin had already received the system notification.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission: Save Liyue.]
Rewards: 1,000,000 Mora, 3,000 Points, 1,000 EXP, 1 Soul Spirit Pearl, and two Residency Traits: Lotus Steps and All Within Grasp.
[Soul Spirit Pearl]: A bead condensed from pure soul power. Can enhance soul strength or repair fragmented souls.
[Lotus Steps]: Grants light, graceful movement. Enhances footwork and agility.
[All Within Grasp]: Enhances perception and overall awareness. Improves strategic foresight and broad-mindedness. Also increases the host's "capacity."
Seeing the rewards, Lu Lin was delighted.
Guizhong's remnant soul had remained stagnant because he had no method of restoration. The Soul Spirit Pearl was clearly the key.
One pearl restored a significant portion — but how many would be needed to fully repair her?
As for the two new traits… just as expected. Seemingly proper, yet subtly improper.
Lu Lin began considering who would best receive them.
The Adepti's Departure
"With matters concluded, the Qixing have proven they can protect Liyue with their own strength. It is time for us to return," Mountain Shaper sighed.
They had originally come prepared to take back authority, doubting the Qixing. But after witnessing Liyue's transformation, the Qixing's calculated strategies, and the defeat of both the Fatui's scheme and the awakened demon god, they could no longer question them.
The Geo Archon's "test" had been passed flawlessly.
Knowing Rex Lapis still lived, they departed without further concern.
Only Cloud Retainer remained.
"This one has not walked among mortals for millennia. I shall stay a while longer."
She turned to Ganyu.
"If I remain in Liyue Harbor, staying at your home indefinitely is improper. When you have time, accompany me to find a residence."
"Let's go now!" Ganyu replied unusually eagerly.
Previously, she would have begged her master to stay longer. But lately, Cloud Retainer's extended stay had left her with no private time with Lu Lin.
Cloud Retainer noticed something was off.
Why does my little disciple seem… eager for me to leave?
Aftermath
Lu Lin spoke briefly with Ying before she and Paimon departed.
Soon, only Ningguang and Lu Lin remained.
He looked at her with a faint smile.
She avoided his gaze.
"I still have post-crisis matters to handle. I won't accompany you."
The same decisive woman who had sacrificed the Jade Chamber without hesitation now seemed flustered under his stare.
Lu Lin didn't press her. He knew she had real responsibilities left.
Instead, he returned to the Serenitea Pot.
He had preparations to make.
Using the Soul Spirit Pearl
Lu Lin retrieved the translucent bead from the system inventory. Pure soul energy pulsed within it.
He pressed it against his forehead.
The green light within his consciousness instinctively absorbed the energy.
The pearl dissolved.
Guizhong's remnant soul panel updated:
Remnant Soul Integrity: 20.01%
Lu Lin's heart surged with excitement.
One pearl restored roughly one-fifth.
Four more, and Guizhong could fully recover.
The problem was acquisition. Soul Spirit Pearls only appeared as rewards from high-difficulty missions.
Healing Ying had not yielded one.
He checked the Exchange Shop.
There it was.
5,000 points per pearl.
However — the exchange required System Level 3.
Locked.
He wasn't discouraged.
With continued recruitment and relationship progression, EXP and points would accumulate.
He already had nearly 12,000 points from Xiangling's completed route, daily interactions, and missions.
He immediately purchased something he had long planned to acquire and carefully arranged everything inside the Serenitea Pot.
Evening
That night, Lu Lin invited Hu Tao, Zhongli, Ying, and Paimon to Wanmin Restaurant for dinner.
Under Lu Lin's guidance, Ying later went to the Northland Bank and witnessed Zhongli's transaction with La Signora — confirming his true identity.
She also asked about her brother.
As expected, she received little useful information.
After dinner, everyone dispersed, leaving only Xiangling and Hu Tao.
Hu Tao smiled mischievously.
"Someone looks very happy today."
"Liyue survived a crisis. Isn't that reason enough?"
"Only that? I dropped by the Serenitea Pot earlier. I saw something very interesting. We won't disturb you tonight~ Do your best!"
She flitted away like a butterfly, dragging a confused Xiangling with her.
Lu Lin smiled and headed toward Yujing Terrace.
With the Jade Chamber destroyed, Ningguang had temporarily relocated her office there.
The Invitation
Inside the office, Ningguang sat quietly, slightly lost in thought.
The aftermath arrangements were complete. Execution could proceed smoothly.
She no longer needed to work tonight.
The Jade Chamber was gone — but her wealth remained. Finding a residence was no issue.
Yet she hadn't left.
It was as though she were waiting.
The office door opened.
A tall, elegant young man entered.
"It's past working hours. Why are you still here?"
"I… nothing. Why are you here?" She instinctively avoided his gaze.
"I noticed you hadn't gone home. I came to take you home."
"Nonsense. I have my own home."
"Really? Won't you come back to the Serenitea Pot with me? I have a surprise."
She was about to refuse.
But he gently caught her hand.
"This surprise," he said softly, "you'll definitely like it."