As the opera ended, the crowd dispersed into the rain.
While discussing the performance, people also talked about the title "Master Yun." Without a doubt, this title was likely to become well-known throughout all of Liyue.
Watching the endless rain, Bai Luo took out his umbrella. The faint scent of plum blossoms caught the attention of those nearby, making them think someone had brought a branch of flowers with them.
The seemingly fragile oil-paper umbrella perfectly shielded him from the wind and rain, holding strong without breaking. However, the loud pattering of rain made people wonder how much longer it could last.
"Care to take a walk?"
At that moment, a beautiful woman holding an umbrella stood beside Bai Luo. Her attire alone indicated her high status—ordinary people in Liyue certainly couldn't afford robes so soft that even Bai Luo found them astonishing.
"Sure."
Bai Luo had a guess about her identity, but he wasn't entirely sure.
Nevertheless, he agreed.
Once the woman stood beside Bai Luo, those who had been subtly monitoring him disappeared. Only the Fatui members remained nearby, likely concerned that the woman might pose a threat to Bai Luo.
In truth, after Bai Luo entered Liyue Harbor, the Fatui spies stationed in the city had noticed him. However, knowing the temperament of their "Instructor," they dared not approach him directly.
The woman's umbrella, adorned with intricate patterns, exuded a sense of solemnity compared to Bai Luo's red plum-patterned one.
She bore the distinct features of a native Liyuean. Holding a vermilion oil-paper umbrella, her golden eyes faintly revealed a diamond-shaped glint. Her demeanor was graceful, and every movement radiated nobility.
A golden earring on her left ear dangled with a tassel of the same color. Though she wore no elaborate makeup, her natural beauty surpassed that of many women who meticulously adorned themselves.
This was a beauty that others could not match.
After the opera, it was nearly evening. The merchants of Liyue Harbor had already left, and aside from a few workers guarding the ships, the docks were empty.
The waves crashed against the harbor, creating a rhythmic sound. Though powerful, they could not shake Liyue Harbor in the slightest.
This nation, blessed by the Geo Archon, had stood firm for thousands of years.
"Hey, you two, don't stand so close to the edge. You might get swept away by the waves."
An old man in a straw raincoat, carrying a few strings of fish, called out to Bai Luo and the woman.
These idle rich folks always sought so-called poetic charm, standing so close to the edge in such terrible weather. Didn't they fear being swept away by the waves?
Not long ago, Old Li's granddaughter had been swept away by the waves. If not for the intervention of an adeptus, she might have been dragged to the depths to feed the sea monsters.
Oddly enough, after the adeptus saved her, Old Li's family offered freshly picked sunsettias as a token of gratitude. Since adepti abstained from mortal food, consuming only mountain spring water and morning dew, they thought sunsettias would be appropriate.
Unexpectedly, the adeptus not only refused the gift but also seemed visibly disturbed, as if facing a great enemy.
This left Old Li's family anxious for days, fearing they had somehow offended the adeptus.
"Old man, we understand. You should head back soon too."
With his mask removed, Bai Luo didn't look like the nightmare many in Snezhnaya feared. Instead, he appeared approachable and kind.
No matter where he appeared or what he did, he never aroused suspicion. It felt as if he belonged wherever he was.
The only drawback was that he was more handsome than the average person, enough to potentially captivate even the daughters of wealthy families.
"Alright, you two be careful."
You can't save those determined to court death. Since the two insisted on staying, the old man stopped persuading them. Humming a tune, he carried his fish and headed home.
"So, what do you think?"
The woman gazed at the turbulent sea and asked Bai Luo.
It was unclear whether she was asking if they should heed the old man's advice or seeking Bai Luo's thoughts on Liyue Harbor.
"Compared to here, the North is much colder."
The harbors of Snezhnaya were covered in snow. While they didn't have to worry about waves, breaking through the ice was always a challenge.
"Have you found your ship? The one that can carry you?"
"I'm already on it."
Bai Luo smiled in the rain.
"Even if that ship is heading straight for an iceberg, will you face life and death with her?"
The woman lightly tapped the edge of the harbor with her foot, and the raging waves seemed to calm slightly, their noise diminishing.
Glancing at her fair feet, Bai Luo harbored no improper thoughts. After all, the woman before him was not someone he could disrespect.
"And if there's no way to avoid it?"
"Then I'll destroy the iceberg."
Bai Luo answered without hesitation.
If the iceberg wanted them all dead, then no one would survive!
Though he usually played it safe, when it came to critical moments, he was more ruthless than anyone. After all, he had once stabbed himself three times just to maximize his damage output.
Even if it didn't kill him, the pain was real.
Someone who was cruel to others and even crueler to himself was not to be trifled with.
"If only you had appeared in this world earlier, things might have been much more lively."
A flicker of contemplation passed through the woman's golden eyes, followed by a sigh.
Hypotheses remained hypotheses, and what had already happened couldn't be changed. With that in mind, she could consider the contract she had drafted with the Tsaritsa.
But if power were suddenly relinquished, could Liyue remain as peaceful and prosperous as it was now? How would the adepti react? What would the Qixing's stance be?
If it were a battlefield, things would be simpler. Just throw a spear and be done with it, no need to worry about anything.
But there were too many things she had to consider.
After being injured by Bai Luo last time, she had already begun to delegate authority. As she expected, the Tianquan and Yuheng stars shouldered the responsibilities without hesitation.
But that alone wasn't enough. It only demonstrated their administrative talents, not their decisiveness in critical moments.
For her to fully relinquish power, the Liyue Qixing needed to prove themselves in more ways, to show they could protect Liyue.
When she first established Liyue, she had earned the wrath of many gods. If she were to step down, without her deterrence, could Liyue withstand the encroachment of those gods?
Most importantly, there was her old friend. The reappearance of the Vishaps—did it mean he was about to break free? If so, without her, could Liyue quell his fury?
She wished to buy osmanthus wine and share it with an old friend, but alas... that friend had grown fat.
The road ahead was long and hard.