Meraki

Part 2 Chapter 1: Adepti Hate Everyone but You

The two Archons landed on top of Qingyun Peak and Aether got off of Sying so that his travel partner could turn back into his adeptus form. Once Sying was back to normal and Venti had put his wings away, they began looking for Moon Carver.

"And who might we be? Those that dare enter Jueyun Karst?" A deep voice demanded. The group of travelers turned around to see a large deer speaking to them.

"Hello, Moon Carver." Sying grumbled as Venti waved.

"Hi!" The bard greeted.

"One thinks it is nice to see you again, Lord Astral. And you as well, Barbatos." Moon Carver said. "Who are the ones next to you?"

"That's Aether. We need you to see something." Sying explained, as Aether took out the Sigil of Permission and showed the deer in front of them.

"Please take a look at this." The Outlander requested. Moon Carver studied the Sigil for a moment before speaking.

"A Sigil of Permission..." He spoke. "Many a season has passed since one was last in the presence of such an item. He before you is the mighty and illuminated adeptus, Moon Carver. Speak, traveler. What business have you here?" The adeptus was interrupted by two Millelith soldiers starting arguing with each other. The rest of the small group of Millelith stood behind them. "See them gone. One will not have interruption." Moon Carver commanded.

"Let me handle this. I've got some rage that needs to be let out." Sying decided and started fighting Liyue's military.

"Well, they're all dead." Venti sighed, watching Sying stab multiple people with his polearm.

"He's terrifying. I never want to fight Sying." Aether agreed.

"Astral was always the strongest of the adepti. He could even outsmart Rex Lapis in combat." Moon Carver chimed in. After a few more minutes, all of the Millelith that had shown up were dead. The ground was littered with bodies as blood dripped down Sying's polearm. The adeptus walked back over to the group with a smile.

"Sorry it took so long. I was having too much fun messing around with the mortals." Astral said. "What were we talking about again?" Venti, and Aether sighed while Moon Carver ignored him.

"We were talking about our reasons for coming here." Venti reminded the Archon. He took that chance to tell the deer in front of them about the events that took place at the Rite of Descension.

"Preposterous!!! The Liyue Qixing, utterly disappointing. How could someone possibly assassinate Rex Lapis during the Rite of Descension and then place suspicion upon the attendees?" Moon Carver shouted. "Traveler, Lord Astral, Barbatos, of the unjust accusations placed upon you, one has become aware. The mind knows its answer. Though one must consult with one's fellows, lest the mind be misguided. Go. Take your Sigil of Permission, carry with you a message."

"Who should we look for?" Aether asked.

"Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer can be found here. Only fate will decide if you shall find them. There exists a Conqueror of Demons, a Guardian Yaksha. Go to Wangshu Inn. There you shall seek him." Moon Carver stated before leaving the group by themselves.

"Guardian Yaksha? I've never heard of that before." Aether spoke.

"Well, no one would unless they've lived in Liyue." Sying said. "We'll skip seeing the Conqueror of Demons for now. Let's see Mountain Shaper instead." The Nova Archon transformed into a dragon again and flew everyone else to Mt. Hulao. When they landed, a crane with black and orange-red feathers was waiting for them. Moon Carver must have told Mountain Shaper that they were coming.

"You intrude upon the sanctity of Mt. Hulao which is an abomination of the highest order!" The bird adeptus announced.

"You're being a bit dramatic." Sying sighed.