arrow_back Genshin Impact: Nhiệm Vụ 
Chenyu's Blessings of Sunken Jade
Help the Adeptus Fujin complete a ritual that will heal the land of Chenyu Vale.
Little Mao:
Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon!
Paimon:
Eek! Mao, look out behind you!
Little Mao:
Huh? Oh, no, no, she's my friend! Didn't I tell you before that I had a lot of friends? I just happened to meet her, so I "got a hold of her" to introduce to you!
Paimon:
Um, well, hello?
Lingyuan:
...
Traveler:
I'm Nhà Lữ Hành, and this is Paimon.
Lingyuan:
...
Little Mao:
Um... She's... afraid of strangers. I usually call her Bluey, because I don't really know her name.
Little Mao:
Oh, don't you worry about that. Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon are great people. They've been accompanying me on my adventures! They're real experts in mountains and forests, too!
Lingyuan:
I know. I've seen. Answer me this one thing. Where did you gain the power to suppress nature?
Paimon:
Suppress nature... What do you mean?
Lingyuan:
Plants pursue the sunlight and fertile soil, creating fruit fit for the birds and beasts to consume. The digested seeds are scattered, and those which consume seed and fruit become bait for predators. Thus does everything return to the land.
Lingyuan:
The snake hidden in the branches, the fish in the mountains, and the beasts of the forest. Traveling in the realm of nature is wonderful, so why have you come?
Little Mao:
Oh, come on, Bluey, you don't have to be so fierce...
Traveler:
...You raised two questions.
Traveler:
My "adeptal energy" comes from Adeptus Fujin.
Traveler:
And we need to help her rejuvenate the water and soil of Chenyu Vale.
Paimon:
Exactly. Something's off about Chenyu Vale's natural conditions, so Adeptus Fujin's enlisted our help! If we don't... Well, the tea leaves in Qiaoying Village are gonna turn out worse and worse, and the village itself might decline!
Paimon:
That's why she wanted us to perform the Rainjade Rite, which will restore the area!
Lingyuan:
The Rainjade Rite. I see. You have answered two of my questions. You may ask me two also.
Paimon:
Huh? Why do we have to do that?
Lingyuan:
Give and take. It is only natural. You have one more question.
Paimon:
Wait! That one counted? Ugh, whatever. You ask, Nhà Lữ Hành!
Traveler:
Little Mao said that you want to "restore nature"...
Traveler:
Is that the same as "nursing the water and soil"?
Lingyuan:
...
Lingyuan:
...Not the same.
Paimon:
Eh? It isn't? Nhà Lữ Hành, what were you talking about?
Little Mao:
That's right, what do you mean "not the same"?
Lingyuan:
...The new tea leaves taste better. More like before.
Paimon:
Eh? More like... Whoa, and just like that, she's gone!
Little Mao:
Don't worry about it, Paimon, she's like that! Sometimes, when I'm not looking, she'll just vanish into the shadow of the trees. Then at others, the sun might dazzle me, or the birds might call overhead... and there she is.
Little Mao:
In any case, guess we're all friends now!
Traveler:
Nice.
Paimon:
Yeah, your friend's pretty strange, Little Mao.
Little Mao:
Is she? Well, for all you know, you're the one who might seem strange to others.
Little Mao:
I mean, not only can you use adeptal energy to make the moss disappear, but you can make the golden stone things appear and vanish, and even turn into a Carp and fly around, like in the stories!
Traveler:
After all, I'm none other than the Young Master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
Paimon:
Wha...?
Little Mao:
...Huh?
Paimon:
That said, Paimon couldn't have imagined that the "friend" you always spoke about was ... Well, "monster" seems a bit rude, and "thing" might be pretty offensive... That's right, your friend's so blue! No wonder you call her Bluey!
Little Mao:
Hehe. That's why I've never told anyone. If the adults knew that we were friends, they might lock me up!
Traveler:
Wait, really!? You'd go to actual prison?
Little Mao:
No, no, not like that! They just wouldn't let me go out, make me wash my face, and force me to read my books... I wouldn't get to play in the mountains anymore.
Little Mao:
Hehe. And that's why I've never told anyone. But you're my friends, so it's fine! Anyway, come with me!
Little Mao:
There's an awesome place I'd love to show you!
Little Mao:
You're awesome, Nhà Lữ Hành! You pushed the moss back just like that — like you did with that smoky cloud!
Little Mao:
Still, that wasn't there yesterday. Is this what they call "nature"...
Paimon:
Don't worry about it. Moss or hilichurls, just leave 'em all to Nhà Lữ Hành! Little Mao, what's this picture about?
Little Mao:
Hehehe! Originally, I didn't know either, but I figured it out today after hearing Big Sis Fujin's story! This must be the stuff that happened before the mural on Mt. Lingmeng was made!
Little Mao:
See this? Long, long ago, people were able to talk to the gods and adepti in the skies by talking to that big piece of jade in the middle.
Little Mao:
The emissary of the gods would lead them and protect them. See, that's gotta be this shiny golden person standing in the middle — I bet that was a super amazing person.
Little Mao:
But later, just like Big Sis Fujin said, something changed, and the people of Chenyu Vale lost their guiding emissary, and they couldn't talk to the heavens any longer — that's how the Rainjade Rite came about.
Paimon:
Huh. Your story does make sense!
Little Mao:
Hehe, thanks! What do you think, Nhà Lữ Hành?
Little Mao:
Hehe...
Little Mao:
Come to think of it, our ancestors were pretty amazing themselves, huh? The jades they left to us still have the power to restore nature! For something this old to still be so strong, the past must've been a sweller time than the present, huh?
Traveler:
That's not true. The world marches onward.
Traveler:
...Leaving the accumulated detritus of the past in its wake.
Little Mao:
Huh... That's a really cool thought. I never thought about it that way.
Paimon:
Hehe, Paimon thinks that you're the amazing one, Little Mao. We've seen lots of ancient objects, puzzles, mysterious powers, and monsters in our time, but Paimon's never considered this stuff before...
Little Mao:
Hehe. Oh, you know what? Not thinking about this stuff at all is pretty awesome too, really! I bet you'll be just like my big sister when you grow up, just having fun adventuring everywhere!
Paimon:
Ooh, you have a big sister, then?
Little Mao:
Well, we're not blood-related, but she worked here in Chenyu Vale for a while. She'd go up mountains and run around the rivers, and I'd follow her! We discovered this little cave together!
Little Mao:
She said that this cave is my "Rubicon"... Not that I know what that means...
Fujin:
Much time has passed since I last emerged here.
Fujin:
This was once a lively place, filled with the aroma of incense... Then, the three of us could travel freely across the mountains and rivers.
Fujin:
Yes... Those days were like flowing water 'neath the moon, dark, yet sparkling oh so brightly...
Fujin:
Ah, but enough reminiscing.
Fujin:
Thanks to you all, I am now able to return here and host the Rainjade Rite.
Paimon:
Eh? So... you're that person in the mural?
Little Mao:
Oh, I get it now! That person... standing on the mountain, hugging that egg, that was you, wasn't it?
Fujin:
Ah— An egg? Come now, Little Mao, that was precious jade!
Fujin:
"Casting Rainjade" is a ritual of great power. The Votive Rainjade can calm rivers, improve the weather... But it can also be a thing of death and slaughter. Only the thinnest line separates curses and the adeptal energies that have aided you up till now.
Fujin:
That is why I must make sure that the Rite does not fall into the hands of those who would do ill. That's why... Ahem, yes, that is correct, one was indeed the figure who "hugged that egg" in that mural.
Little Mao:
Huh... Big Sis Fujin, doesn't this make you pretty, uh, ancient?
Fujin:
Yes, it does. Still, I do like the name "Big Sis." It does quite make me feel young!
Fujin:
Well, certainly! Though even if others title me as such, I am aware that I am hardly the equal of true adepti like Mountain Shaper and the rest.
Fujin:
I am, in truth, the weakest of my band of friends. I cannot make medicines to save others, nor can I bound across the mountains and plains. Even so, I could not simply lay the title down.
Fujin:
It would have done the people of Chenyu Vale a disservice, I fear.
Fujin:
Still, you may call me whatever you wish. After all, we... have become friends, or so I would say.
Fujin:
In any case, my days of being called an adeptus are now consigned to history, just like this place has been.
Fujin:
Once, the Rainjade Rite was a day of great celebration, where we would commemorate the year of abundance, using laughter, firecracker battles, and beast dances to frighten the ill omens away. This must appear like naught but forgotten ruins to the modern mind.
Traveler:
Well, not completely forgotten...
Paimon:
That's right. People in Qiaoying Village told us that it was the mighty Adeptus Fujin who defeated the demons and planted the first tea tree. Back on the bamboo raft, Grandpa Lu also mentioned that the offerings of tea were to a certain Carp adeptus.
Little Mao:
And wasn't there that opera sung at Yilong Wharf about the Carp going around killing stuff? Hehe, you were so awesome in those stories, Big Sis Fujin! Also, people still do the Wushou dance, you know!
Traveler:
You said it yourself. The definition of an "adeptus" is...
Fujin:
...
Paimon:
Also, putting definitions aside, you're our friend, Fujin! You shouldn't be constantly fretting about the rite and stuff. You should live happily — like we're companions on an adventure!
Little Mao:
That's right, we're on an adventure together!
Fujin:
Right... Yes, you're right! Thank you — that was well said! Indeed. I was the one who asked you all for help. It wouldn't do at all if I just continued wallowing in the past, now would it?
Fujin:
In any case, I'll need your help to prepare for the Rite itself.
Fujin:
In any case, have you encountered any Sacred Simulacra in your adventures? Those were ritual spirits often used by people in ancient times to protect their homes. There should be some nearby.
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, Little Mao, please help me put the Simulacra in their proper places. That way, we can restore the spirit veins using the Rainjade Rite.
Traveler:
Leave it to us.
Fujin:
I will. I have faith in you.
Paimon:
Huh, there's a pavilion here on this mountain!
Traveler:
It's rather adepti-style.
Paimon:
Huh... Paimon wonders where we'll find that Golden Carp. This place is kinda huge!
Little Mao:
Maybe we can do what we did last time? You know, Nhà Lữ Hành, the bit where you used adeptal energy on the mural, and the Carp turned out to be hiding inside?
Little Mao:
Look, Nhà Lữ Hành! There's four stone Carp statues here! Do you think there might be four giant Carps hiding inside?
Paimon:
Huh. That does make sense. You're pretty smart, Little Mao! Nhà Lữ Hành, is the adeptal energy reacting in any way?
Traveler:
Not at all.
Traveler:
...But there seems to be something missing inside.
Paimon:
Huh... That might be where the critical clue lies.
Little Mao:
Ah, Nhà Lữ Hành, over here! It looks like there's an orb inside some of these Carp statues!
Little Mao:
Didn't we find some statues of Carps and large pearl on our way down the mountain? Maybe those are actually used for something!
Paimon:
Well, let's give it a go, then!
Fujin:
My apologies for the poor hospitality. It has been a long time since I last enjoyed tea with others. Hopefully, my brewing skills have not deteriorated too much over time.
Fujin:
One d— *ahem* I mean, I have some experience in appreciating tea. It was also thanks to this that I was able to tell that this year's tea offering smelled off. That was how I discovered the trouble with the soil and water quality.
Fujin:
Hehe, I suppose now I can tell those who fail to appreciate the value of tea about its value with confidence. Come, Nhà Lữ Hành, have some tea!
Traveler:
Is this your teapot, Fujin?
Paimon:
Yeah, there was that time in Liyue Harbor when we fixed Madame Ping's teapot for her! Hehe, if you think about it, we seem to have quite a connection with tea!
Fujin:
Madame Ping? ...Ah, I think I know of whom you speak. We were acquainted back in the day, along with her friends.
Fujin:
As Little Mao said, I was once just a "giant Carp," unable to leave fresh water for too long, nor live in salty waters. As such, they sent me one of these "teapots."
Fujin:
That was how my friends would have been able to take me — inside my teapot, of course — to Guili Plains and Liyue Harbor, to meet those lovely people they spoke of. Unfortunately, such a time never quite came.
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, you've been to Liyue Harbor. Could you tell me more about the city?
Little Mao:
I'd like to hear about it too! I've never been!
Paimon:
Well, Paimon would like to start from Wanmin Restaurant...
Traveler:
How about I handle the explanations this time?
Paimon:
Sure, but don't you dare skip over any of the eating bits!
"It is a port city built nestled against the mountains..."
You begin, only for Fujin to interrupt you. She notes that she'd like to hear "your" Liyue story.
You understand, and begin again.
"When we arrived in Liyue Harbor, Paimon and I were just in time for the Rite of Descension..."
The child and adeptus before you listen to your words (and Paimon's incessant interjections), leaning forward as you speak, exclaiming in shock and relaxing as the tension in the tale rises and falls.
They also add their own commentary and questions about Liyue (such as the food and flavors available at restaurants, the toys the old lady sells, the gems and jewelry of Feiyun Slope, and such.)
As you watch Fujin, Little Mao, and Paimon be so moved by the tale...
Traveler:
(Along this journey...)
Traveler:
(We met many friends.)
Traveler:
(We met many friends.)
Traveler:
(And experienced so many things)
Traveler:
(And experienced so many things)
Traveler:
(It was all worth it.)
Little Mao:
Wow! A sea monster, huh? Amazing!
Fujin:
Liyue Harbor is... not what I imagined.
Traveler:
Do you find it disappointing?
Fujin:
Well, no, just different, being different doesn't make it bad. I like the Liyue Harbor you described.
Fujin:
...It's good to hear that after all this time, our dear Herblord was able to find a home there. I think that's simply wonderful.
Fujin:
...
Fujin:
What about you, Little Mao? Could you tell me about you and your friend? I'm curious to know what she's like.
Little Mao:
Um, sure. I mean, Paimon and Nhà Lữ Hành have met her already, so it wouldn't be fair if I didn't tell you.
Little Mao:
So, this is how we met...
At that time, I was still a little kid who didn't know anything about the mountains. It was nighttime, and some wild beasts were following me through the forest. It was super scary!
Finally, I was chased to a clearing, and surrounded by those beasties. For a moment, I was convinced I was gonna get eaten, but suddenly, they all backed off into the woods, and then they were gone.
When I looked back, there she was, looking at me. She was like jade, but there was a dignity to her.
I knew it then, that she was the master of the mountain that my grandparents had told me about. I wasn't scared. I just told her...
"I finally found you! I've been looking for you for so long!"
I don't know why, but she lowered her head in thought before walking off. She made no noise as she did so. I listened as hard as I could, but there were no sounds of anything stepping on branches or fallen leaves.
After that, I would sometimes catch sight of her, moving between trees in a flash. Sometimes, the rising moonlight would outline her shadow as she stood atop a high mountain.
At that time, I thought it was strange. Why hadn't I seen her before? She was always there, after all.
I wanted to talk to her, but she would always turn and leave. It was only later that she became willing to talk to me. Much later on, she would take me up very high mountains and into very deep forests. She asked me a lot of questions, and in exchange, she told me lots of stories.
In the beginning, Qiaoying Village was a nameless, barren mountain, and the rivers had a real temper. Sometimes, they'd flood, and other times, they would all but wither.
And on that barren mountain, she made two friends: a fish, and a snake...
Little Mao:
But later, the snake was cut into pieces, and the fish sank into the sea... and then, only Bluey was left.
Fujin:
Thank you, Little Mao.
Little Mao:
Also, um... Don't tell anyone about my friend, alright?
Paimon:
Of course we won't!
Traveler:
You seem quite familiar with this friend of Little Mao's, Fujin.
Fujin:
Indeed. But that was all in my past life. Many, many years have passed since I could no longer move freely. I suspect that I might not recognize her any longer, though from Little Mao's words, she might not have changed too much.
Paimon:
P—Past life?
Fujin:
Hehe, perhaps that is not the most accurate way to phrase it. I did not utterly perish, but I did lose my original form, and my strength and wisdom dissipated along the spirit veins.
Fujin:
This is also why I invited you and Nhà Lữ Hành to Carp's Rest. If we were not there, I would not even have a form to show you or a voice with which to speak to you.
Fujin:
It is thanks to you that I've been able to slowly regain my previous strength. Coming here and once more seeing these scenes with my own eyes, meeting old friends from the past... and more importantly, making new friends.
Fujin:
I'm very glad.
Traveler:
How did you die?
Fujin:
...My memories of that have grown foggy. The Herblord and I were both servants of another god, and it was I that organized the Rainjade Rite, administering the rivers and mountains for our lord. As for the other... She was as she is — a beast, wild and free.
Fujin:
In those peaceful days, I also climbed waterfalls to Mt. Aocang and Mt. Hulao, and there I met with the adepti, whose powers and wisdom far eclipse mine. Of course, that was all before the war.
Fujin:
Our lord was not a heinous being by any means. Once upon a time, she made many dreams come true — if there was any evil, it was the Archon War itself. What happened next needs no further explanation on my part, I'm sure.
Traveler:
You talked about how you and Herblord defected...
Fujin:
Hehe, that's right. That might've been the bravest thing we've ever done!
Fujin:
Our lord had all but gone mad seeking the position of a god who may rule this world... or perhaps seeking survival. Either way, she lacked the power to overcome Morax.
Fujin:
So, in a final, desperate gamble, she caused the Bishui River to flood, hoping to destroy everything downstream. Of course, she knew what that would mean for Chenyu Vale and its people.
Paimon:
Whoa... But, uh, Paimon thinks that that's something you should never ever do, period...
Fujin:
Perhaps that's just what war does to people. Either way, that was our final adventure as a trio of friends.
Fujin:
Lingyuan attacked people with her familiars, herding them to the shelter we had prepared. Herblord fought against our mistress, while I climbed Mt. Lingmeng, and hurled the Votive Rainjade into the rising waters.
Fujin:
Of course, that wasn't a proper Rainjade Rite. It was simply the release of the adeptal energies stored within the jade pendant to have the earth open its maw and swallow the rivers, and allow the Jademouth to grow and stabilize the flow.
Paimon:
Whoa, what happened next?
Fujin:
Hehe, didn't Little Mao tell you how it all ended?
Little Mao:
Yeah...
Paimon:
That's right... Wait. Really? When?
Fujin:
Alright, that's enough about the past. We should get back to performing the Rite itself.
Paimon:
True... But what about the Golden Carp? Isn't that what we're looking for?
Fujin:
In truth, you've already found it, as with the previous one. That's how I was able to appear before you.
Fujin:
It's just that I missed the scenery here a bit too much, so I couldn't help but have a long chat with you all. After all, your sense of time and mine are not the same. You won't tarry long once your objectives are complete, will you?
Fujin:
As such, I apologize. Please forgive my capriciousness.
Fujin:
Though my power is still a far cry from how it was in the past, thanks to your aid, I have regained much strength. Thank you. Next, we need to perform the ceremony.
Traveler:
What effects will it have?
Fujin:
It's been thousands of years since we last performed it, and the mountains, rivers, and spirit veins have all changed a great deal. But if all goes well, the Votive Rainjade will resolve the issue.
Fujin:
Well then, let's begin.
Paimon:
The fog's dissipating...
Paimon:
Whoa? What's that!?
Little Mao:
Huh. It's just like in the mural! Do you remember, Paimon? The one with the two golden people, and something in between them!
Paimon:
Wow, you're really impressive, Little Mao. Paimon didn't remember that at all!
Fujin:
Behold, the sacred mountain.
Fujin:
In my era, to merely climb it was already to transgress. But the ancestral inhabitants of this place are gone, and the communing path lies waste and broken. Who shall judge us now?
Fujin:
That is where the spirit veins of Chenyu Vale converge. Through it, I can transmit my adeptal energy throughout the vale, restoring its water and its soil...
Fujin:
We are only one step off from achieving our goal. Are you prepared, Nhà Lữ Hành?
Traveler:
Let's do this.
Fujin:
Indeed.
Fujin:
I am quite sorry for not being completely frank with you earlier...
Fujin:
Though I became aware of it during our travels, I did not wish to believe that my old friend Lingyuan would be the source of the storm that buffets Chenyu Vale.
Paimon:
Eh? You did? When? How did you figure it out?
Fujin:
She, Herblord, and I once defended Chenyu Vale together. To think that she would do something so wicked... Her disruption of the spirit veins has caused the miasma to propagate, and the one who stopped me from performing the Rite the first time was also her.
Little Mao:
But Big Sis Fujin... Bluey... I mean, Lingyuan, isn't a bad person...
Fujin:
...I know, Little Mao. She is your friend. But at this time, she is the greatest threat to Chenyu Vale. If she controls this sacred mountain, she will wield the power to completely alter the land of Chenyu Vale in the blink of an eye.
Fujin:
I fear that Lingyuan has already entered Chiwang Terrace before us. She means to rewrite the flow and path of the spirit veins... We have little time left.
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành. You have mastered the adeptal energy available here in Chenyu Vale. Lingyuan and her familiars will not be your match.
Fujin:
Please accompany me for a time and aid me, for the sake of the people in Chenyu Vale. I will perform a ritual and open up the way to Chiwang Terrace. Please stay by my side and... protect me.
Lingyuan:
Why won't you listen to me? Will you not wait?
Lingyuan:
Your strength is feeble. You cannot match me. But do not worry. You will soon recover.
Fujin:
Lingyuan... Say no more. Nhà Lữ Hành and I will stop you. We will stop this... plan to destroy Chenyu Vale.
Fujin:
The ritual is complete. The gate to Chiwang Terrace is now open!
Fujin:
Lingyuan...
Lingyuan:
Human. Let me tell you what you shall do. Fire arrows at my heart. If you approach up close, strike me with your sword. I will fight you to the last.
Lingyuan:
You are the only one here who can fight. When I have crushed your neck, I will triumph.
Little Mao:
No!
Traveler:
I don't intend to kill you.
Lingyuan:
...Why? I do not understand.
Lingyuan:
...Fine. You may ask me one question.
Paimon:
You still really care about doing things like that, even though you lost, huh...
Traveler:
Then let us exchange questions.
Traveler:
Little Mao, do you have any questions?
Little Mao:
Um... Bluey... Why did you have to fight? Can't we all be friends?
Lingyuan:
You bunch of two-legged... And you, Fujin. You have not the strength to form two legs of your own, yet you wish to walk in their form and speak to me. But how can humans and wild beasts ever be friends?
Little Mao:
That's not true, Bluey, you're lying! If that's the case, why didn't you just let those beasts eat me back then? If humans and beasts can't be friends, and you're a beast, you shouldn't have helped me!
Lingyuan:
...My actions are sometimes beyond even my own understanding. You were merely fortunate.
Little Mao:
Well, why didn't you just eat Mountain as well? She almost bumped into you while lost in the fog at the foot of the mountain. I saw it!
Lingyuan:
...
Lingyuan:
You humans possess such wisdom that even nature submits to your will. In that case, you tell me. Why didn't I eat her?
Paimon:
Eh? What kind of question is that...
Traveler:
Mt. Laixin is dear to Adeptus Fujin.
Lingyuan:
...Let us just assume you are correct. She has told me much about the Rainjade Rite. Perhaps those memories affected my actions.
Fujin:
You actually remembered everything I told you...
Lingyuan:
Every year before the rite, you would tell me and that white snake how expectant you were, and how nervous. And after the rite, you would tell us how the festivities were so fun and lively. You would always speak, and I could not help but listen.
Lingyuan:
Only humans forget. I forget nothing.
Lingyuan:
You have cleared this doubt of mine. Now, you may ask a question.
Traveler:
Well, Adeptus Fujin, have you any questions?
Fujin:
Thank you, Nhà Lữ Hành. Just a while back, Lingyuan, I was telling them stories about our past... Why do you wish to wreck Chenyu Vale, which we once fought so hard to protect?
Lingyuan:
...You planted tea trees, promising to enjoy tea with us. This too I remember. But that sort of tea no longer exists.
Lingyuan:
I want to change this land. I want to make it like it was all those millennia ago. You have walked with humans for too long. You have forgotten that you, I, and the snake all came from nature.
Lingyuan:
I knew that you never truly perished. And you did not depart this place like the snake. So I wish to change this place to the form it had when you were born. All these years, I have been slowly adjusting the spirit veins.
Little Mao:
Oh, I get it! So that's where the miasma came from...
Lingyuan:
Correct. Side effects. In the end, the process will change the soil, the waters, and the forests to what they should have been.
Fujin:
What the soil, waters, and forest... should have been?
Lingyuan:
You truly have forgotten the past. The rivers rose and fell with the rains, and their path was not fixed. The tea trees and flowers were not trimmed or cultivated, nor did they exist for humanity.
Lingyuan:
In such an environment, you would regain your old form, and frolic once more in the great rivers. You would regain your strength. Spiritual power blanketed the land in those days, the wild shrubs grew thick. Now, the mountains and forests are silent, and the shimmering voice of the spring waters, tinkling like jade, can be heard no longer.
Lingyuan:
But you don't understand. You still think you must stop me.
Fujin:
...Lingyuan, I count myself more blessed than most to have lived such a happy life, and in the end, my soul returned to my home. You are the one who does not understand.
Lingyuan:
Yes. And I have never understood. After you defeated me, you should have taken my territory. You planted tea on my mountain and gave that land to the humans. I do not understand why you did this.
Lingyuan:
Chenyu Vale was once but a nameless land, and we were nameless insects, beasts, and fish. I was the master of an uncultivated mountain, and today, that place belongs to neither of us.
Lingyuan:
You took a human form and walked among them. You instituted the Rainjade Rite, and helped them change the soil and water. I did not understand then either, but I could see how happy you were.
Lingyuan:
The snake changed into a human form and used her knowledge to create medicines and save the sick. I could understand how the agile human fingers could help her do what she wished, but I do not know why it was done.
Lingyuan:
What happened after caused me still more confusion. You fought alongside humans and their so-called gods, and you perished. Humans fighting each other over territory and survival... Now that, I can understand.
Lingyuan:
You both belong to the great river and the mountainous forests. You could have chosen to leave them and live on with me. Let that which is human belong to them, and nature belong to nature. Even if our territory were to shrink, we could still live freely.
Lingyuan:
But now you wish to stop me and defend this land subdued by humanity. Answer me. Why?
Fujin:
Lingyuan, my friend... It is as you say. I do wish to protect them.
Lingyuan:
...Do not answer me with my own question! I was asking you why.
Paimon:
(This Lingyuan might be a beast, but she sure cares about the order of things, huh?)
Little Mao:
(I know! That's how I learned so much from her.)
Traveler:
(...So you guys were just discussing stuff... in the mountains...?)
Little Mao:
(Well, not totally. That said, after hearing everything Bluey said about Big Sis Fujin, I thought they'd be happy to meet each other...)
Fujin:
At first, I was like you. I did not understand humanity, and I did not enjoy their... excessive demands and love of hoarding, or their eternal desire to have more than they need, while caring so little for the needy themselves...
Fujin:
"Trading," "wealth"... Like you, I did not understand these concepts and did not understand why they influence human joy and sorrow.
Fujin:
But across the long years, I have also seen many other things.
Fujin:
The cries of children break my heart, and the sound of an old person's shattered memories saddens me... Just as though it were all a microcosm of these mountains and rivers.
Fujin:
Have you noticed them, seen them? The children who wash their little feet in the streams, fishermen laughing beneath the light of the rainbow's arc, the moonlight trysts of lovebirds, their figures painted silver...
Fujin:
Humans, too, are creatures of this land. Just how different is their innocence from ours?
Lingyuan:
...You mean to say that you have chosen to take their side due to these emotions. Not through natural principles or logic. And not due to anyone's orders.
Fujin:
I suspect that Herblord had much the same reasons as I. That said, I'm sure she'd put it all very differently, ha!
Lingyuan:
I remain unsatisfied with your answer, Fujin. I do not understand.
Fujin:
Do you not? I think you've understood for a long time. When our lord... When our previous god raised the waters, it was you who brought your familiars around to attack the people and drive them to the shelters we had created.
Lingyuan:
I just...!
Lingyuan:
...I just wished to help my friends. To make their wishes reality.
Fujin:
Even if doing so means going against nature and the principles you follow?
Lingyuan:
Even if it meant going against nature and the principles I follow, I would do so anyway.
Fujin:
Well, then we aren't all that different now, are we? Didn't you also choose your own position on account of your feelings?
Lingyuan:
...
Lingyuan:
I am satisfied with your answer, Fujin. Now, you may ask a question.
Fujin:
Very well. May I ask the next question, Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon?
Traveler:
Ask away.
Paimon:
Uh... Paimon can't really think of any good questions at the moment. Since you've got one, you go right ahead!
Fujin:
You acknowledged my answer, acknowledged me, and acknowledged that you made choices based on your own feelings. Now, let me ask you...
Lingyuan:
N—No... Don't ask.
Fujin:
You know what I'm going to ask you, right?
Lingyuan:
"...If I needed your help, would you still make the same choice?"
Fujin:
That's right. And what's your answer?
Lingyuan:
*sigh*...
Lingyuan:
Yes. I would. Even should another thousand years pass, and even if you asked me a thousand more times, my answer would be the same.
Fujin:
In that case, Lingyuan, I do in fact need your help. I truly wish to save the people of Chenyu Vale, so please, don't stop me from nursing the water and soil, alright?
Lingyuan:
...I promise you, Fujin. You have walked with humans for much time, and have learned their cunning, while I am but a foolish beast. My claws and teeth are sharp, but I am no match for you.
Fujin:
Thank you, Lingyuan.
Fujin:
And thank you, Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, and Little Mao. You've accompanied me for so long, and you've helped me a lot. I wouldn't have made it here without you.
Little Mao:
Hehe... I'm happy to have helped you, Big Sis! I'm so glad that Bluey got to meet you all, too. I was so worried when you fought...
Lingyuan:
You also have my thanks, Nhà Lữ Hành, Little Mao. It was you who brought Fujin to me. Though the circumstances of the meeting were not what I hoped for.
Paimon:
And what about Paimon?
Lingyuan:
?
Fujin:
Alright, then. Let us begin.
Uncle Luo:
You're back! We were just saying that good rainfall's bound to bring good tidings! And what do you know, dear guests? You've arrived, right on time!
Grandpa Lu:
How did it go? Well, I trust? Tell us all about it!
Uncle Luo:
So you met the legendary Carp Adeptus!? Oh my, as one would expect of the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. You really do have friends in high places!
Traveler:
Hehe, it was a piece of cake for me!
Paimon:
Uh... Anyway, your soil and water problems should be solved now!
Grandpa Lu:
Haha, Old Luo, just what did I say? I told you it was a problem with the soil, but you wouldn't listen! If it wasn't for their help, we'd still be tealess come next year's Lantern Rite!
Uncle Luo:
*cough* That, uh... Regardless, thank you both for your help, honored guests!
Uncle Luo:
With your help, and the protection of the Carp Adeptus, I'm sure our village will surely see a great harvest of tea leaves this coming year.
Uncle Luo:
Ah, yes, please take these. Take it as a token of our thanks!
Paimon:
...Right, Paimon almost forgot! We came across this kid during our adventures. Is he from the village, too?
Little Mao:
Hehe, Uncle Luo, I'm back!
Uncle Luo:
Well, if it isn't you, Little Mao? Finally of a mind to come back, huh?
Paimon:
Eh? You don't seem worried at all...
Uncle Luo:
And what is there to fret about? This kid runs around in the mountains all the time, and he always comes back safe after getting tired. If you ask me, there's been an adeptus looking after him in secret all along! You know, maybe that might even have been said Carp Adeptus...
Little Mao:
I've said it before — that wasn't an adeptus. It was Bluey—
Grandpa Lu:
Alright, alright, Little Mao, don't argue with Luo here. He's just pretending to know what he's talking about. Come by my place later — I'll make you some egg custard!
Little Mao:
Woohoo! Egg custard!
Uncle Luo:
Hmph, and now you pretend to be a good person... Wait, what do you mean, "pretending to know"?
Uncle Luo:
...In any case, I don't really know how to repay you, dear guests.
Uncle Luo:
If you should need any help in the future, Qiaoying Village will be there to lend you a hand!
Paimon:
The Sacred Simulacra are all ready!
Fujin:
Thank you both. The Votive Rainjade has been returned to its priests, and the statues have come back to their rightful places. The Rainjade Rite is now ready to be performed.
Little Mao:
...But will Chenyu Vale really recover once you cast the Rainjade in?
Fujin:
That's right. Things will get better for us, Little Mao. Nature, jade, humans... All is divinely dictated. The changes in the land and water in Chenyu Vale, the malicious fog in the spirit veins... They are all essentially a sign of the earth moving against the flow of time.
Paimon:
Yeah. Huh, so that miasma-like thing is a manifestation of environmental disorder...?
Fujin:
Hehe, that's right. You can think of it like Chenyu Vale's attempt to... How to put it? Return to nature? And what we intend to do here is to treat the land and soil, and rid it of this sickness.
Traveler:
"Return to nature"?
Fujin:
After all, before humans left their caves and mountains to dominate the world and regulate nature, and before Chenyu Vale or Bishui River got those names, the land, mountains, and rivers had their own order.
Fujin:
Hehe, even I sometimes miss the cool mountain streams, and the great rivers that would ebb and flow with the seasons. I mean, I was once a mere fish that swam...
Fujin:
But if we let nature seize control of its order once more, the people of Chenyu Vale will suffer and languish. I hope you can understand.
Little Mao:
Yeah...
Fujin:
In that case...
Fujin:
...
Paimon:
Huh? Did it work?
Fujin:
It seems I am too feeble in my current state.
Paimon:
Eh? We got the Votive Rainjade, and we placed the Simulacra, but it still wasn't enough?
Fujin:
I'm very sorry — it is not your fault. I need more power to overcome this trial. Just as the adeptal energy in the Votive Rainjade has dissipated into the spirit veins, so has my power also left me across the long years.
Little Mao:
Huh? Will you grow really big just like the jade?
Fujin:
P—Probably not...?
Paimon:
Hehe, just think about it, though — Super Adeptus Fujin, now three times the size! Well, is there any way we can restore your power?
Traveler:
The Golden Carp.
Fujin:
Ah, Nhà Lữ Hành, you are wise indeed. Before you found a few Golden Carp, I could not even muster the strength to appear. Initially, I thought that we just needed to gather all the ritual implements, and that would make up for the deficiency in my power...
Fujin:
...I was not entirely open with you before, but neither the present nor past me was anywhere near a match for the adepti of the south. I... feared you would consider me weak and unworthy of your help...
Paimon:
Gee, is that it? Paimon thought you'd have something more important to say!
Fujin:
Eh?
Paimon:
There's no way we'd abandon or not make friends with you just because of that!
Traveler:
That I, the Young Master, consider you a friend is not conditional on your status as an adeptus.
Paimon:
Other than that whole "Young Master" bit, Paimon wanted to say the same thing!
Little Mao:
My friend told me lots of stories about you. In my mind, even though we've just met, we're already friends, and I also want you to be happy, Big Sis!
Fujin:
Alright, alright... Thank you, all of you.
Paimon:
Well, that's more like it! So, where should we start looking for these Golden Carp?
Fujin:
I believe that you will have to go to Yaodie Valley. There will be a cavern there with a Golden Carp hidden within.
Little Mao:
We're here, Big Sis Fujin! Have you been waiting for us here all this time?
Fujin:
Hehe, no, no. After leaving Carp's Rest, I can only appear in places in which my power remains, and only by the grace of your adeptal energy, Nhà Lữ Hành.
Paimon:
Wait a minute... Didn't the gap in the middle of that mural originally have something that went with the Golden Carp mural in it?
Fujin:
...I'm not sure. In truth, this is my first time seeing this mural as well.
Paimon:
Huh?
Fujin:
I'm sure you've all heard of the battles that took place in the past.
Fujin:
Hmm?
Fujin:
Sorry, I am merely a minor adeptus of Chenyu Vale. I fear I know little about any wars concerning this "Khaenri'ah."
Paimon:
The Archon War?
Fujin:
Yes. This cave was one of the shelters we built for the inhabitants of Chenyu Vale, such that the innocents caught in the crossfire when the floods overturned the heavens and the earth split open could have a place of safety.
Fujin:
I didn't expect that they'd draw a mural here, though. I believe the ones depicted to be me... *cough* I mean, the "big, slippery Carp" Little Mao mentioned, and a friend.
Little Mao:
Huh... If that's the case, why did the most important part get taken somewhere else?
Fujin:
That's true. Why is that?
Fujin:
...Perhaps dissatisfaction. The three of us were once great friends, with two of us becoming worshipped as adepti, and one of us was always the mountain's master.
Fujin:
Later, Herblord and I defected together, and she most likely died too. Or perhaps, the one amongst us who fought to the last never submitted, and only heard news of us afterward.
Fujin:
Perhaps, to her, we were all traitors, with the depictions of myself and Herblord becoming an object for her to vent her fury against.
Little Mao:
Huh... Is that really the case? The painting outside looks like...
Fujin:
Who knows? In any case, that's all in the past.
Fujin:
So please, lend me your strength in nursing Chenyu Vale back to health. I can feel that there's another Golden Carp lingering where I used to... Near Mt. Xuanlian, I believe.
Traveler:
Oh, so there's another?
Fujin:
If we get that one, I should have enough strength to perform the ritual.
Fujin:
Speaking of that, I must apologize for being unable to control the Golden Carp even with you nearby. I know they might have given you some trouble, swimming through the air like that.
Traveler:
That was somewhat troublesome, yes.
Paimon:
But really, where is the Golden Carp that should be here?
Fujin:
Hehe, well, inside the painting. Just use your adeptal energy to awaken it, Nhà Lữ Hành.
Fujin:
Lingyuan... I perceived it would be you. And I do miss you so, but this really... might be a bad time.
Little Mao:
Eh? So Bluey's name is Lingyuan?
Lingyuan:
...
Fujin:
Don't be like that. Speak with me.
Lingyuan:
The opportunity to speak will come, but it is not now. You know this.
Fujin:
I know this, but I cannot allow it.
Lingyuan:
Wait just a while longer. It will end soon.
Lingyuan:
I do not like the things up there. But it does not matter. Just leave it to me, Fujin.
Lingyuan:
Do not come up here.
Little Mao:
Big Sis Fujin? Big Sis...
Paimon:
Where did she go?
Lingyuan:
Do you still not understand? She used all the energy she accumulated recently to nurse the land.
Paimon:
Wait, if that's the case... Does that mean...
Lingyuan:
...Yes. It is as you suspect.
Paimon:
But... She struggled so hard to...
Fujin:
Though we have now finished nursing the soil and water, the miasma that remains will not disappear immediately, so you'll have to be careful out there.
Paimon:
Eh?
Fujin:
Sorry for making you all see me like this. It is just as Lingyuan said. I have completely used up the energy I accumulated recently, and I can no longer maintain my favored form.
Paimon:
Waaaaa... Paimon thought... Paimon thought that...
Little Mao:
What's wrong?
Paimon:
...*sigh* Nothing, nothing! Paimon's glad you're still here, Adeptus Fujin! Seriously, Lingyuan...
Lingyuan:
What about me?
Fujin:
Though my form is as it has become, I am far more comfortable than before. At first, I was trapped at Carp's Rest, and could only reminisce about the outside world through the scent of the tea offerings.
Fujin:
If I had not met you and Paimon, people of such compatibility with the spirit veins, I would have had none but my shadow to talk to, much less be able to leave Carp's Rest.
Fujin:
Thank you for your concern. Please forgive me, but I must depart now. I'll need a bit of rest.
Fujin:
And another thing, Lingyuan.
Lingyuan:
Speak. What else would you have me do? Or not do.
Fujin:
Nothing. I just didn't get to say this due to the circumstances that prevailed before, but...
Fujin:
...But it's so good to see you again.
Lingyuan:
I know.
Lingyuan:
...
Lingyuan:
Thank you all.
Paimon:
Eh? Where did that one come from...
Lingyuan:
I should thank you for bringing her back. Safe, smooth, and slippery. Even the way in which her fins move is the same as I remember.
Paimon:
You sure have a, uh, strange way of remembering people... or fish, whichever.
Lingyuan:
I do not know how you did it, nor why you were able to obtain her adeptal energy. All these thousands of years, and I never once heard her voice.
Paimon:
It might be due to Nhà Lữ Hành's, uh, unique constitution?
Lingyuan:
I see. However, I am but a foolish beast. Even if I wanted to see her again, I would not know of a better way.
Lingyuan:
I could only spend thousands of years clumsily imitating her methods, regulating the spirit veins in this land.
Lingyuan:
I am quite stupid, and I only knew this method, and so I did it — it was akin to scooping every droplet from a rushing river, or every grain of sand from the vast desert.
Lingyuan:
I knew as well that she would not smile as she once did, even if these mountains returned to how they once were.
Lingyuan:
She, I, and the snake once laughed and swam happily here. Those days will never come again.
Lingyuan:
She loves humanity too much, even more than she loves herself. Had I succeeded, she would only hate me.
Lingyuan:
But that would have not mattered to me, so long as she could regain her form and swim free once more.
Paimon:
*sigh* And Paimon thought you were more concerned about nature...
Lingyuan:
Of course I care. A land untamed by humans, a land of wild beasts. But that is a different subject from the matter of Fujin.
Lingyuan:
If she thinks that a land tamed by humans is better, and that the strange tea leaves grown on such land taste superior, then I shall do what pleases her.
Lingyuan:
So, thank you.
Traveler:
Um, you're welcome?
Paimon:
Well, speaking of that, Paimon's curious. What did the tea leaves taste like in the past?
Lingyuan:
When the land changed before, the tea leaves' flavor was much closer to what it was in the past, apart from some differences due to human influence.
Paimon:
Wait, so you mean that the weirdly flavored teacakes we had were...
Traveler:
In that case, I prefer the current flavor profile...
Lingyuan:
Tea leaves cultivated by humanity will be more to their liking, of course. What I do not understand is Fujin's tastes.
Lingyuan:
If the snake was here, we could ask for her opinion. But perhaps her tastes have also become strange from spending so much time with humans.
Lingyuan:
Before you go, Nhà Lữ Hành, I have one final question for you.
Lingyuan:
Those that come from nature will, for some reason, go against nature — against the laws nature originally followed.
Lingyuan:
Will humans also go against humanity, against the principles they initially followed, for certain reasons?
Traveler:
Yes.
Lingyuan:
Thank you. I have received the answer I desired.
Lingyuan:
Well then, Little Mao, Nhà Lữ Hành, and Paimon. We shall meet again.
Little Mao:
Alright then. See you later, Bluey!
Little Mao:
Also, remember to take care of Big Sis Fujin! She seems kinda weak right now, so she could use some extra care!
Lingyuan:
I will. Farewell.
Traveler:
Please wait, Lingyuan.
Traveler:
I have a question for you as well.
Lingyuan:
Ask, then. I do owe you that.
Traveler:
If human activities are part of the laws of nature...
Traveler:
How would you view humanity?
Lingyuan:
A strange question. In the distant past, they were indeed part of nature. But they are so no longer. That is because...
Lingyuan:
...
Lingyuan:
No, I need to give this question more thought. Next time we meet, I will give you my answer.
Little Mao:
However, she hasn't written to me in a long time. If I were to guess, she's off adventuring in some faraway place. Maybe in the "Ancient City of Ys," or something like that.
Paimon:
Heh, this Big Sis of yours sure seems like an interesting person!
Little Mao:
I know, right? Still, Big Sis Fujin needs our help, so let's continue on!
Fujin:
Oh, there you all were. Ah, I was so worried...
Paimon:
Wow, a Golden Carp!
Fujin:
... *cough* One was quite concerned that the swirling miasmas and fierce beasts that roam might have caused you ill. But one sees that it is not so, and that is good.
Fujin:
Thanks to the adeptal energy you possess, Nhà Lữ Hành, one has been connected to the Golden Carp here, thus gaining the means to speak with you directly.
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, Little Mao, please come with me.
Little Mao:
I wonder where she's off adventuring nowadays. I can't wait to receive my next letter from her!
Paimon:
Yeah, this Big Sis of yours sure seems like an interesting person!
Little Mao:
I know, right? Still, Big Sis Fujin needs our help, so let's continue on!
Fujin:
Oh, there you all were. Ah, I was so worried...
Paimon:
Wow, a Golden Carp!
Fujin:
... *cough* One was quite concerned that the swirling miasmas and fierce beasts that roam might have caused you ill. But one sees that it is not so, and that is good.
Fujin:
Thanks to the adeptal energy you possess, Nhà Lữ Hành, one has been connected to the Golden Carp here, thus gaining the means to speak with you directly.
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, Little Mao, please come with me.
Uncle Luo:
You're back! We were just saying that good rainfall's bound to bring good tidings! And what do you know, dear guests? You've arrived, right on time!
Grandpa Lu:
How did it go? Well, I trust? Tell us all about it!
You explain what happened to Grandpa Lu and Uncle Luo...
Uncle Luo:
So you met the legendary Carp Adeptus!? Oh my, as one would expect of the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. You really do have friends in high places!
Traveler:
Hehe, it was a piece of cake for me!
Paimon:
Uh... Anyway, your soil and water problems should be solved now!
Grandpa Lu:
Well, Old Luo, what did I say? I told you it was a soil problem, but you wouldn't listen. If it wasn't for them, who knows when our tea leaf problem would be solved!
Uncle Luo:
*cough* That, uh... Regardless, thank you both for your help, honored guests!
Uncle Luo:
With your help, and the protection of the Carp Adeptus, I'm sure our village will surely see a great harvest of tea leaves this coming year.
Uncle Luo:
Ah, yes, please take these. Take it as a token of our thanks!
Paimon:
...Right, Paimon almost forgot! We came across this kid during our adventures. Is he from the village, too?
Little Mao:
Hehe, Uncle Luo, I'm back!
Uncle Luo:
Well, if it isn't you, Little Mao? Finally of a mind to come back, huh?
Paimon:
Eh? You don't seem worried at all...
Uncle Luo:
And what is there to fret about? This kid runs around in the mountains all the time, and he always comes back safe after getting tired. If you ask me, there's been an adeptus looking after him in secret all along! You know, maybe that might even have been said Carp Adeptus...
Little Mao:
I've said it before — that wasn't an adeptus. It was Bluey—
Grandpa Lu:
Alright, alright, Little Mao, don't argue with Luo here. He's just pretending to know what he's talking about. Come by my place later — I'll make you some egg custard!
Little Mao:
Woohoo! Egg custard!
Uncle Luo:
Hmph, and now you pretend to be a good person... Wait, what do you mean, "pretending to know"?
Uncle Luo:
...In any case, I don't really know how to repay you, dear guests.
Uncle Luo:
If you should need any help in the future, Qiaoying Village will be there to lend you a hand!
Fujin:
The Sacred Simulacra... During the earliest festivals, people didn't know how they should carve the statues, and the products turned out a real mess. Even that friend of mine couldn't help but burst into laughter upon seeing it...
Fujin:
Ah... Sorry about that, Nhà Lữ Hành, I got lost in the past again...
On first arriving at Chenyu Vale, you are asked by the adeptus, Fujin, to help investigate imbalances in the local water and soil...
Fujin:
Welcome. One's name is Fujin, the local Adeptus, and this is the tiny little teapot realm one calls home for now.
Paimon:
Huh? We were still in the mountains just now. How did we suddenly end up...
Fujin:
One invited you to come as guests, yet failed to sufficiently explain beforehand. Such behavior was careless, and one begs for your forgiveness.
Paimon:
Uh, Paimon's just not sure this counts as an invitation, that's all... So, do you just "swoosh" all visitors to Chenyu Vale in here like this?
Fujin:
Hehe, of course not! Many come and go from Chenyu Vale, but it was only in light of your incredible compatibility with the local spirit veins that I chose to invite the two of you, Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon.
Traveler:
You know us?
Fujin:
Your names were carried here by the fish that swim. I have long anticipated your visit.
Fujin:
It is a pity that it is now not quite convenient, else I would have invited you to a tea-tasting banquet — speaking of which, I am quite sorry, but I have a request to make of you.
Fujin:
Thank you. I presume the two of you have heard of the tea village of Chenyu Vale, Qiaoying Village? This land has been famous for its cool, fragrant waters since ancient times. The people are of gentle character, and the pristine pebbles in its streams are exquisite.
Traveler:
I hear a "but" incoming...
Fujin:
Precisely. The waters and soil of Chenyu Vale have begun to change recently, as has the scent of its tea... Qiaoying Village will inevitably decline, should this persist.
Fujin:
One hopes that you two can resolve the disharmony of the soil and water on one's behalf. The water veins are spread across the mountains, but my power is no longer sufficient, nor is the present a good time for me to move about. Thus, I must rely on your kindness and aid.
Paimon:
Uh, we aren't exactly experts when it comes to dealing with soil and water. Is there a problem that Nhà Lữ Hành can just solve by resorting to gratuitous violence?
Fujin:
Hehe, just as I heard, you are quite direct. But fret not. You are clever by nature — I trust that you shall get to the heart of any problems you might encounter.
Traveler:
Still not quite getting it...
Fujin:
"Though one travels the world, if all is understood, then it would still be boring." — Though I'd like to say that, this matter and I... Well, let us just say that I shouldn't mislead you with superficial statements. My apologies.
Fujin:
Well then, allow me to share some of the adeptal energy dwelling in the mortal world with you, Nhà Lữ Hành, to aid you in traversing the landscape and piercing the fog.
Fujin:
Oh right! Um, it's nice to meet you...
Paimon:
Eh?
Fujin:
*ahem* I mean, welcome to this place! That is to say, welcome to Chenyu Vale!
Traveler:
Thanks.
Paimon:
Whaddaya mean, welcome? This was clearly a kidnapping!
Fujin:
Hehe, I'm really sorry. But I was quite looking forward to meeting you face to face, and was rather hoping you two would be magnanimous enough to forgive the impropriety. Yes... Now that you have been indwelt with my adeptal energy, Nhà Lữ Hành, things will become much more convenient.
Fujin:
Now, please try the wonders of said energy for yourself.
Fujin:
Welcome. One's name is Fujin, the local Adeptus, and this is the tiny little teapot realm one calls home for now.
Paimon:
Huh? We were still doing the delivery just now, how did we suddenly end up...
Fujin:
I see. So the paper is used to make kites, yes? Hehe... I can feel festive fortune emanating from you. I hope that this sudden invitation will not ruin the fun.
Paimon:
Eh? Well, uh, Happy Lantern Rite! That said, Paimon's not sure this counts as an invitation... Huh. Were we the only ones brought here?
Fujin:
Yes... My apologies for worrying your friend, but only the two of you have surpassing compatibility with the local spirit veins, which is why I could only invite you in.
Traveler:
You know us?
Fujin:
Yes, your names were carried here by the fish that swim, and I have thus long anticipated your visit.
Fujin:
It is a pity that it is now not quite convenient, else I would have invited you to a tea-tasting banquet — speaking of which, I am quite sorry, but I have a request to make of you.
Fujin:
Thank you. I presume the two of you have heard of the tea village of Chenyu Vale, Qiaoying Village? This land has been famous for its cool, fragrant waters since ancient times. The people are of gentle character, and the pristine pebbles in its streams are exquisite.
Traveler:
I hear a "but" incoming...
Fujin:
Precisely. The waters and soil of Chenyu Vale have begun to change recently, as has the scent of its tea... Qiaoying Village will inevitably decline, should this persist.
Fujin:
One hopes that you two can resolve the disharmony of the soil and water on one's behalf. The water veins are spread across the mountains, but my power is no longer sufficient, nor is the present a good time for me to move about. Thus, I must rely on your kindness and aid.
Traveler:
Well, this is all a bit sudden...
Paimon:
Yeah, and we aren't exactly experts when it comes to this stuff... Is there some problem that Nhà Lữ Hành can just solve with lots of violence?
Fujin:
Hehe, just as I heard, you are quite direct. But fret not, you are clever by nature, and should perceive clearly the difficulties you encounter. You can even perform your delivery first — it is no issue.
Traveler:
Still not quite getting it...
Fujin:
"Though one travels the world, if all is understood, then it would still be boring." — Though I'd like to say that, this matter and I... Well, let us just say that I shouldn't mislead you with superficial statements. My apologies.
Fujin:
Well then, allow me to share some of the adeptal energy dwelling in the mortal world with you, Nhà Lữ Hành, to aid you in traversing the landscape and piercing the fog.
Fujin:
Oh right! Um, it's nice to meet you...
Paimon:
Eh?
Fujin:
*ahem* I mean, welcome to this place! Err, I mean, welcome to Chenyu Vale! Also... Happy Lantern Rite to you!
Traveler:
Yup, Happy Lantern Rite!
Paimon:
Whaddaya mean, welcome? This was clearly a kidnapping!
Fujin:
Hehe, I'm really sorry. But I was quite looking forward to meeting you face to face, and was rather hoping you two would be magnanimous enough to forgive the impropriety. Yes... Now that you have been indwelt with my adeptal energy, Nhà Lữ Hành, things will become much more convenient.
Fujin:
Now, please try the wonders of said energy for yourself.
Grandpa Lu:
*sigh* Finally, you're here!
Traveler:
I—Is something the matter?
Grandpa Lu:
Oh! Are you... Young Master, are you the son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild's manager?
Grandpa Lu:
Oh my! So you aren't the Commerce Guild's Young Master!
Grandpa Lu:
*sigh* My apologies! I was considering only your... wondrously fashionable attire, and your flying companion! Your conduct, too, was so unlike ours that I assumed that you must have come from Liyue Harbor to discuss matters with us...
Grandpa Lu:
Lu I am surnamed, and all in the village call me Grandpa Lu... *sigh* Apologize I must, recent years have not been kind, I have not even the tea to treat you two as guests... *sigh* The Adepti will certainly not be satisfied with the tea ceremony this year...
Paimon:
Huh? Uh, Grandpa Lu, the stuff right by you... Aren't those tea leaves?
Grandpa Lu:
*sigh* The quality is far too lacking. How could I possibly serve such things to my guests? Speaking honestly, we are waiting for someone from the Feiyun Commerce Guild, for we must discuss with them the tea leaf problem. They are our biggest customers, after all.
Grandpa Lu:
The crux of the matter is that this batch of tea is simply unsatisfactory, whether it be in terms of taste or quantity. This is an open secret among tea merchants. Old Luo... the Village Chief has also decided that no tea may be sold until the quality problem is solved.
Grandpa Lu:
I have heard tell that the Young Master of the Commerce Guild is exceptionally smart and skilled. If he has caught wind that this year's tea harvest was lacking in both quality and quantity, I thought, he would come in person, or if not, send someone here. So, here I wait.
Grandpa Lu:
Anyway, the problem with the tea leaves... I believe it lies with the soil.
Paimon:
A problem with the soil?
Grandpa Lu:
Indeed. I've lived here my whole life and worked with tea since I was but a wee lad, and I can notice problems that others may miss. As I see it — and may Adeptus Fujin bless us — it must be an imbalance in our soil and water!
Paimon:
Adeptus Fujin?
Grandpa Lu:
Oh? So you've also heard the tale? That's quite rare! Even among locals, few remember.
Grandpa Lu:
Many, many years ago, Qiaoying Village was nothing but a barren hill. Terrifying demons dwelt there, and it was all thanks to Adeptus Fujin that the demons were defeated, and tea trees were planted, allowing our ancestors to come live here.
Grandpa Lu:
But if it's really a problem with the water and soil, then I don't know what we can do about it...
Traveler:
Actually, that's exactly what we've been asked to come investigate.
Grandpa Lu:
Oh! So, does that mean you believe me, Young Master?
Traveler:
Yes, I believe you.
Grandpa Lu:
Is that so? Then that makes things easy! Come, I'll bring the tea leaf samples, and let's go have a talk with Old Luo!
Grandpa Lu:
Hmm...
Paimon:
Something wrong, Grandpa Lu?
Grandpa Lu:
Young Master and Young Lady, if it isn't too much trouble... Could you pretend you are from the Feiyun Commerce Guild when we are meeting with Old Luo?
Grandpa Lu:
Village Chief Luo is a good person, but, how to put this... He puts more trust in machines, cultivation techniques, fertilizers, and things like that. I mentioned an imbalance in the soil and water before, and we parted on bad terms. But if it was the Young Master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild...
Traveler:
Not sure if I can play the part...
Paimon:
Doesn't seem like a good plan to Paimon...
Grandpa Lu:
Aiya, don't worry! Even if he sees through it, it's nobody's idea but mine! None of the blame shall fall on you. Let's go!
Jin:
Uncle Luo, this batch still isn't any good! They're not fragrant enough when you dry them, and they get so dry and brittle that you can't even put them in the roller... Even the ones that survive the secondary processes come out the other end a complete disaster...
Uncle Luo:
...Are you sure it isn't a problem with the machine? Are you sure you haven't forgotten how to operate it?
Jin:
...What a thing to say. How could we dare to be careless, with you looking over our shoulders?
Uncle Luo:
...Hmph. How could you, indeed...
Uncle Luo:
Aiya, it's Grandpa Lu! Jin, get back to work... And this respectable-looking young man is...?
Paimon:
(Hey! Just who the heck calls themselves Young Master!?)
Traveler:
This is my servant. It will suffice to call her "Mini Pie."
Paimon:
Uh... Hahaha! Yes, that's it! Call me Mini Pie!
Uncle Luo:
Oh! In that case, welcome, welcome! A guest like you is a rare treat indeed. We have been quite reliant on the assistance of the Commerce Guild for many a year. But as for what's happened this year... I suspect you have already heard about it...
Grandpa Lu:
What's wrong? You're looking pretty miserable, did Jin mess up at work again?
Uncle Luo:
Hmph! You old... mocking me again! *ahem* My apologies, dear guests. Normally I would invite guests from afar to sample our new teas, but this year's batch... *sigh* Well, you know.
Traveler:
No tea? Are you seriously going to let me, the Young Master...
Paimon:
A-hem AHEM! The Young Master is indeed very concerned about the tea leaves, and uh, is here to see if there's anything that can be done to help, so, um, Chief Luo, there's no need to be so tied up with formalities.
Uncle Luo:
Hahaha... Very well then. To tell the truth, this batch of tea leaves is no good either. They can't be dried, and I can't tell if they were bad when they were picked, or if it's a problem with the machine in our workshop.
Grandpa Lu:
Ha! How's that difficult? Why not just use some of the older leaves you have in stock, and see if the product you get from drying them is any different? If the product is normal, then you'll know it isn't a problem with the machine.
Uncle Luo:
Seriously, I've told you before... Forget it. As we have important guests present, then we'll give your method a try. Jin, do we have any fresh tea leaves remaining from older batches?
Jin:
There's some in the warehouses, what's up?
Uncle Luo:
What's up? What's up!? Oh, good one! We've been talking here for a good long while now, and you weren't listening to a single word, were you?
Uncle Luo:
*sigh* ...Go fetch some of the older batches, and process it along with some of the newer stuff that Grandpa Lu brought using the machine. Don't you dare skip a single step, I'll be watching you!
After a bit, Jin brings back two batches of freshly dried tea.
Grandpa Lu:
How about this? I see our two guests are quite young. They might prefer snacks to tea-tasting. Why not turn these two batches into teacakes? The quality of each will be evident with a single taste. What do you think, Old Luo?
Uncle Luo:
Agreed, we'll do just that. Jin! Listen up. Take these two batches of tea leaves, and make them into two different teacakes, one cake from each batch! Don't you dare get even a single leaf mixed up!
Jin:
Yessir Uncle Luo. You want me to mix them all into one cake?
Uncle Luo:
Oh for... I can't even...
Grandpa Lu:
Aiya, sorry for the long wait! We've got both teacakes here, let's try them one at a time, shall we?
Uncle Luo:
Well? How's the taste?
Paimon:
Hmm... The first one tasted a bit strange... But the second one was delicious!
Traveler:
Hmph! You're seriously going to let me, the Young Master, eat...
Paimon:
(Hey! Knock it off, Nhà Lữ Hành!)
Traveler:
I, the Young Master, share Mini Pie's opinion.
Uncle Luo:
...The teacakes made from the tea we had in stock... taste fine.
Uncle Luo:
*sigh* Alright, you win. So according to you, the tea processing machinery is fine — in other words, the problem is with the tea itself. This new batch of tea... it's just not as good as before!
Grandpa Lu:
So, the water and soil...
Uncle Luo:
...But perhaps it's the cauldron that's the problem. It's old and in disrepair, which must have offended the Adeptus, causing the tea to deteriorate...
Grandpa Lu:
No, no, it's the soil and the water... It's the elements that nourish the soil... The...
Uncle Luo:
Enough, enough! Let's get that technician in charge of the tea cauldron in here first. It's that Fontainian, the one from the Fontaine Research Institute, Hot... Hot... What was it again? Ugh, name's such a pain to pronounce. Jin, go get her, would...
Uncle Luo:
Jin! Jin?
Uncle Luo:
*sigh* Just where did that lazy loafer abscond to this time? That brainless nitwit... I was going to have him go to Yilong Wharf and search for our technician...
Traveler:
Would you specifically need someone from Fontaine to fix it?
Grandpa Lu:
Heh, well, whether in Liyue or Fontaine, most things powered by elemental energy work on more or less the same principles, yeah? If a Fontainian engineer can fix it, so can our thaumaturges.
Grandpa Lu:
It just so happens that this Ms. "Oat Moon-tan-yee" likes to travel around Liyue, passes through here every so often, and loves to offer her services. So as for this round of tea cauldron maintenance, well, let's leave it to her.
Grandpa Lu:
So you see, honored guests... Hehe, I'm really sorry, but I need to trouble you to go to Yilong Wharf and find our technician, Ms. Oat Moon-tan-yee. It's more likely than not she's found herself a show there that she can't tear her eyes off!
Uncle Luo:
How could you possibly dare to ask our guests to do such a thing!?
Grandpa Lu:
Old Luo, you misunderstand me. Our honored guest already had business to attend to at Yilong Wharf, and it would just be passing along a message on their way. It's nothing, really.
Uncle Luo:
Is that so?
Paimon:
Huh, is that so?
Traveler:
...It would seem to be so.
Uncle Luo:
I'm truly sorry... Then if you would, honored guests. Old Lu, I'll leave it to you to accompany them.
Grandpa Lu:
Aiya, thanks for your hard work! You scared Old Luo so much he was jumping at his own shadow, hahaha!
Grandpa Lu:
You mentioned earlier that you're here to investigate the water and soil, right? Best you head over to Yilong Wharf, then. It isn't far from the headwaters, and there are ruins left by the Adepti along the way, so if you're looking for clues, there's your best bet.
Grandpa Lu:
As for passing a message to Oat Moon-tan-yee, well, please lend a hand, would you? Give Old Luo some peace of mind, so he doesn't worry himself to death.
Traveler:
Even Mini Pie can handle a thing so trivial.
Paimon:
Hey! Why're you still acting!? The show's over! And what's with calling Paimon "Mini Pie" anyway!?
Paimon:
Anyway, just leave it to us! You can rest easy, Grandpa Lu!
Grandpa Lu:
Such great kids you are, really great kids... Oh, right! I noticed that you two really enjoyed the teacake. Why don't I teach you the recipe? Next time you come by some quality tea leaves, you'll be able to make some for yourselves.
Grandpa Lu:
In any case, safe travels! Be careful on mountain paths, and mind you don't slip!
Traveler:
About Yilong Wharf...
Uncle Luo:
The port to the west, haha... It's much smaller than Liyue Harbor, eh? The specialties we export to Fontaine and Sumeru along with the oddities we import from them go through it.
Uncle Luo:
A whole lot of our tea is also transported through there. *sigh* Though this batch of tea leaves isn't any good, and until we figure out why and solve the problem, we won't sell anything to outsiders. The last thing we want to do is ruin Qiaoying Village's good name.
Grandpa Lu:
So you see, honored guests... Hehe, I'm really sorry, but I need to trouble you to go to Yilong Wharf and find our technician, Ms. Oat Moon-tan-yee. It's more likely than not she's found herself a show there that she can't tear her eyes off!
Uncle Luo:
How could you possibly dare to ask our guests to do such a thing!?
Grandpa Lu:
Old Luo, you misunderstand me. Our honored guest already had business to attend to at Yilong Wharf, and it would just be passing along a message on their way. It's nothing, really.
Uncle Luo:
Is that so?
Paimon:
Huh, is that so?
Traveler:
...It would seem to be so.
Uncle Luo:
I'm truly sorry... Then if you would, honored guests. Old Lu, I'll leave it to you to accompany them.
Grandpa Lu:
Aiya, thanks for your hard work! You scared Old Luo so much he was jumping at his own shadow, hahaha!
Grandpa Lu:
You mentioned earlier that you're here to investigate the water and soil, right? Best you head over to Yilong Wharf, then. It isn't far from the headwaters, and there are ruins left by the Adepti along the way, so if you're looking for clues, there's your best bet.
Grandpa Lu:
As for passing a message to Oat Moon-tan-yee, well, please lend a hand, would you? Give Old Luo some peace of mind, so he doesn't worry himself to death.
Traveler:
Even Mini Pie can handle a thing so trivial.
Paimon:
Hey! Why're you still acting!? The show's over! And what's with calling Paimon "Mini Pie" anyway!?
Paimon:
Anyway, just leave it to us! You can rest easy, Grandpa Lu!
Grandpa Lu:
Such great kids you are, really great kids... Oh, right! I noticed that you two really enjoyed the teacake. Why don't I teach you the recipe? Next time you come by some quality tea leaves, you'll be able to make some for yourselves.
Grandpa Lu:
In any case, safe travels! Be careful on mountain paths, and mind you don't slip!
Traveler:
I'm an Honorary Senior Researcher from the Fontaine Research Institute...
Uncle Luo:
Oho! I never imagined the Young Master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild to be so skilled! That makes it easy, please, if you'd lend a hand...
Paimon:
It's just an honorary title! Ho-nor-ar-y!
Uncle Luo:
Ah, is that so...? Hahaha, well, it still speaks to the abilities of the Young Master! Even the honors of foreign nations are not beyond reach!
Grandpa Lu:
So you see, honored guests... Hehe, I'm really sorry, but I need to trouble you to go to Yilong Wharf and find our technician, Ms. Oat Moon-tan-yee. It's more likely than not she's found herself a show there that she can't tear her eyes off!
Uncle Luo:
How could you possibly dare to ask our guests to do such a thing!?
Grandpa Lu:
Old Luo, you misunderstand me. Our honored guest already had business to attend to at Yilong Wharf, and it would just be passing along a message on their way. It's nothing, really.
Uncle Luo:
Is that so?
Paimon:
Huh, is that so?
Traveler:
...It would seem to be so.
Uncle Luo:
I'm truly sorry... Then if you would, honored guests. Old Lu, I'll leave it to you to accompany them.
Grandpa Lu:
Aiya, thanks for your hard work! You scared Old Luo so much he was jumping at his own shadow, hahaha!
Grandpa Lu:
You mentioned earlier that you're here to investigate the water and soil, right? Best you head over to Yilong Wharf, then. It isn't far from the headwaters, and there are ruins left by the Adepti along the way, so if you're looking for clues, there's your best bet.
Grandpa Lu:
As for passing a message to Oat Moon-tan-yee, well, please lend a hand, would you? Give Old Luo some peace of mind, so he doesn't worry himself to death.
Traveler:
Even Mini Pie can handle a thing so trivial.
Paimon:
Hey! Why're you still acting!? The show's over! And what's with calling Paimon "Mini Pie" anyway!?
Paimon:
Anyway, just leave it to us! You can rest easy, Grandpa Lu!
Grandpa Lu:
Such great kids you are, really great kids... Oh, right! I noticed that you two really enjoyed the teacake. Why don't I teach you the recipe? Next time you come by some quality tea leaves, you'll be able to make some for yourselves.
Grandpa Lu:
In any case, safe travels! Be careful on mountain paths, and mind you don't slip!
Fujin:
Hehe, Nhà Lữ Hành, Paimon, you two are indeed brilliant, as expected. Upon seeing my dissipated adeptal energy, you immediately understood the situation.
Paimon:
Of course! We're super-duper experienced adventurers, you know! Still, why didn't you say anything sooner? You didn't just forget, did you?
Fujin:
...
Fujin:
Ahem! About that, should not the path of the Adepti be full of challenges? 'Tis merely a test of your wisdom!
Paimon:
Speaking of which, just what's the problem with the soil and water you mentioned before? Grandpa Lu was also sure that this was behind the deteriorating quality of the tea leaves.
Fujin:
Yes, you too have seen Qiaoying Village. Should the quality and quantity of tea leaves continue to decline, so will the village, until finally — in the years to come — it degenerates back into what it was millennia before: a desolate mountain forest.
Traveler:
You sure that isn't hyperbole...?
Fujin:
Hehe. It is true. The Lord of Geo would not stand idly by as disaster befell. Were the sky to collapse, the Conqueror of Demons and other Adepti would do their utmost to support it. Should the waters under Yilong Wharf breach the dikes and flood, Liyue Harbor would aid the villagers.
Fujin:
But without "tea," this stretch of mountains would... Or Qiaoying Village, rather, would lose its very reason to exist in human eyes.
Paimon:
That makes sense... When you put it like that, Paimon understands.
Fujin:
So, are you two willing to help me correct the imbalance in the water and soil?
Traveler:
Whaddaya say, Mini Pie?
Paimon:
Who the heck is "Mini Pie"!? Never heard the name before! Hmph!
Paimon:
But Paimon wants to help Adeptus Fujin and Qiaoying Village. When she thinks about such delicious teacakes being lost forever just because there's no good tea... It would be a big shame, wouldn't it?
Fujin:
Yes, that's excellent! ...*ahem* Your willingness is commendable, and one is quite grateful to you both. Now, back to business: When it comes to how to resolve the disharmony in the soil and water, one is indeed well aware of what to do.
Fujin:
First, you two must go up, against the currents, and seek the jade treasures thrown into the waters. In the end, we must perform the ancient Rainjade Rite once more, dispelling the miasma that has settled over the mountains and fields and into the rivers, and restoring the water veins and soil.
Paimon:
Okay, got it! But, uh, just how do we do the ritual?
Fujin:
...
Paimon:
Adeptus Fujin, what's wrong?
Fujin:
Oh, nothing. As for the ritual, it's still a bit early for that. Well then, we'll see each other later.
Paimon:
Annnd she's gone.
Paimon:
According to her, we need to go against the current... that just means upstream, right? Hey, that's the same direction as Yilong Wharf! Let's go!
Hautemontagne:
...though I don't understand it in the least, I still think it's amazing!
Hautemontagne:
...Just watching her stand there singing, or sing while walking around, or sing while sitting, and then sing while she lifts her hand, and slowly lets it fall, all the while ceaselessly singing...
Hautemontagne:
...I really don't know just what kind of magical powers the old lady has! Babbling, chanting, singing and reciting, reciting and crying, I haven't got a clue what she's saying, but it's amazing! Little Mao, can you understand?
Little Mao:
...Haha, that's just how opera singing is. And weren't there fight scenes later? There was that old dude who could do 88 flips and tricks. Riveting stuff!
Hautemontagne:
...Yeah, it's great! It's just a shame that I don't understand a thing... A whole bunch of people fighting and jumping all over the place, all super flashy and such. One-on-one, several all fighting each other, five or six taking turns... It's just... almost addictive!
Paimon:
Hello! We're looking for a technician from Fontaine! Chief Luo and Grandpa Lu said... Uh, what name did they give us again?
Traveler:
Oat Moon-tan-yee.
Hautemontagne:
Haha! Yep, sounds like Grandpa Lu sent you all right. Just call me Hautemontagne. I'm a researcher from the Fontaine Research Institute!
Traveler:
Haha, I'm the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
Paimon:
Alright, alright, that's quite enough acting! Are you alright, Nhà Lữ Hành...?
Paimon:
Yup, our young master is... Wait, that's not right! He's Nhà Lữ Hành, and Paimon's Paimon. Anyway, it was Grandpa Lu who sent us looking for you.
Little Mao:
Mr. Nhà Lữ Hành, Ms. Paimon, hello! I'm Little Mao, a friend of Mountain's!
Hautemontagne:
Yes, that's what my name means. Hautemontagne can be a bit hard to pronounce, so I asked Little Mao to just call me that.
Paimon:
Really...? Quite the interesting pair! How did you two meet?
Hautemontagne:
It was quite fortuitous! Last year I went to the mountains in the south for a spell, and got lost in the fog. A huge beast the size of a "Cal. Etienne-Louis" was glaring at me, and I thought I was done for! But just then...
Hautemontagne:
A little kid suddenly shouted at me! I followed the sound through the mist and got out, and was saved! Otherwise, I would've been eaten, just like that, and my family in Fontaine wouldn't even have been able to claim compensation on my account!
Little Mao:
Heehee, I know more about what goes on in the mountains than the grown-ups!
Paimon:
Is that so? You're amazing, Little Mao!
Hautemontagne:
Alright, got it! I'll be there in a jiffy. *sigh* All the shows here are just too good. I ended up watching several, one right after the other, and now my legs have fallen asleep. But I just can't understand a word... What sorts of stories are they telling?
Little Mao:
It's about how way back when, a huge carp and a monster from the mountains fought! A "you kill me, I kill you" story. In the end, everyone dies!
Hautemontagne:
Uh... That's a pretty concise summary! But don't talk about killing and dying so much, Little Mao! If you think about that kind of stuff too often, you might become the villain when you grow up!
Hautemontagne:
Since those in Qiaoying Village are waiting on me, it's time to go! See you all later!
Little Mao:
Let's go watch the shows here again when you're about to head back to Fontaine!
Paimon:
Okay, now that we've solved the puzzle, we can get back to business. Little Mao, how about you?
Little Mao:
What are you two going to do?
Paimon:
Huh? To be honest, we're not quite sure how to explain it... The water and soil in Chenyu Vale are kinda out of whack, and we need to cure them for everything in Chenyu Vale to get better.
Little Mao:
I get it! Ms. Paimon is trying to say that we need to restore nature?
Paimon:
Hey, that's right! You're really amazing, Little Mao, you got it right away!
Traveler:
"Restoring nature," you say? Did someone talk to you about that?
Little Mao:
That's right — a friend who's always taking care of me told me! She wants to restore nature too. If we restore nature, everything will get better, so I want to help too. She also told me about you two!
Paimon:
Oh! So you've seen her too?
Little Mao:
Huh? You mean my friend? Of course! Silly Ms. Paimon, how could we be friends if I'd never seen her?
Paimon:
Fair point! That makes things easier! Actually, we want to... Paimon remembers we need to find the jade treasures in the water, and then do some Rainjade Rite. But even though we've come upstream, we still haven't found any clues...
Little Mao:
Ah! I know! Come with me, I'll show you where to look!
Paimon:
What? Is it really that easy?
Traveler:
Little Mao, your friend wants to restore nature, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah! She's told me a lot, such as stories from before Qiaoying Village became Qiaoying Village, how the tea trees came to be, and more. She said that things will get worse and worse in Chenyu Vale if the natural order isn't restored.
Paimon:
Oh! Looks like we're on the same page then.
Paimon:
Little Mao, you just said you knew where we could find leads, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah... I don't know if it'll help, but when you mentioned "jade treasures" and "Rainjade" and stuff, I just thought of it! Come with me!
Paimon:
Yup, let's go!
Traveler:
I am but one who comes to the aid of the oppressed in their moment of need, a disciple of the Guhua...
Paimon:
What do you mean, you're from the Guhua Clan? Alright. So he's Nhà Lữ Hành, and Paimon's Paimon. It was Grandpa Lu who sent us looking for you.
Little Mao:
Mr. Nhà Lữ Hành, Ms. Paimon, hello! I'm Little Mao, a friend of Mountain's!
Hautemontagne:
Yes, that's what my name means. Hautemontagne can be a bit hard to pronounce, so I asked Little Mao to just call me that.
Paimon:
Really...? Quite the interesting pair! How did you two meet?
Hautemontagne:
It was quite fortuitous! Last year I went to the mountains in the south for a spell, and got lost in the fog. A huge beast the size of a "Cal. Etienne-Louis" was glaring at me, and I thought I was done for! But just then...
Hautemontagne:
A little kid suddenly shouted at me! I followed the sound through the mist and got out, and was saved! Otherwise, I would've been eaten, just like that, and my family in Fontaine wouldn't even have been able to claim compensation on my account!
Little Mao:
Heehee, I know more about what goes on in the mountains than the grown-ups!
Paimon:
Is that so? You're amazing, Little Mao!
Hautemontagne:
Alright, got it! I'll be there in a jiffy. *sigh* All the shows here are just too good. I ended up watching several, one right after the other, and now my legs have fallen asleep. But I just can't understand a word... What sorts of stories are they telling?
Little Mao:
It's about how way back when, a huge carp and a monster from the mountains fought! A "you kill me, I kill you" story. In the end, everyone dies!
Hautemontagne:
Uh... That's a pretty concise summary! But don't talk about killing and dying so much, Little Mao! If you think about that kind of stuff too often, you might become the villain when you grow up!
Hautemontagne:
Since those in Qiaoying Village are waiting on me, it's time to go! See you all later!
Little Mao:
Let's go watch the shows here again when you're about to head back to Fontaine!
Paimon:
Okay, now that we've solved the puzzle, we can get back to business. Little Mao, how about you?
Little Mao:
What are you two going to do?
Paimon:
Huh? To be honest, we're not quite sure how to explain it... The water and soil in Chenyu Vale are kinda out of whack, and we need to cure them for everything in Chenyu Vale to get better.
Little Mao:
I get it! Ms. Paimon is trying to say that we need to restore nature?
Paimon:
Hey, that's right! You're really amazing, Little Mao, you got it right away!
Traveler:
"Restoring nature," you say? Did someone talk to you about that?
Little Mao:
That's right — a friend who's always taking care of me told me! She wants to restore nature too. If we restore nature, everything will get better, so I want to help too. She also told me about you two!
Paimon:
Oh! So you've seen her too?
Little Mao:
Huh? You mean my friend? Of course! Silly Ms. Paimon, how could we be friends if I'd never seen her?
Paimon:
Fair point! That makes things easier! Actually, we want to... Paimon remembers we need to find the jade treasures in the water, and then do some Rainjade Rite. But even though we've come upstream, we still haven't found any clues...
Little Mao:
Ah! I know! Come with me, I'll show you where to look!
Paimon:
What? Is it really that easy?
Traveler:
Little Mao, your friend wants to restore nature, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah! She's told me a lot, such as stories from before Qiaoying Village became Qiaoying Village, how the tea trees came to be, and more. She said that things will get worse and worse in Chenyu Vale if the natural order isn't restored.
Paimon:
Oh! Looks like we're on the same page then.
Paimon:
Little Mao, you just said you knew where we could find leads, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah... I don't know if it'll help, but when you mentioned "jade treasures" and "Rainjade" and stuff, I just thought of it! Come with me!
Paimon:
Yup, let's go!
Traveler:
What? I'll have you know that I'm an Honorary Senior Researcher.
Paimon:
Seriously? Is this really the moment to be comparing? Anyway, he's Nhà Lữ Hành, and Paimon's Paimon. It was Grandpa Lu who sent us looking for you.
Hautemontagne:
Hahaha, so you're colleagues from the Institute? Excellent, looks like you guys couldn't stand that hopeless wreck of an organization either!
Little Mao:
Mr. Nhà Lữ Hành, Ms. Paimon, hello! I'm Little Mao, a friend of Mountain's!
Hautemontagne:
Yes, that's what my name means. Hautemontagne can be a bit hard to pronounce, so I asked Little Mao to just call me that.
Paimon:
Really...? Quite the interesting pair! How did you two meet?
Hautemontagne:
It was quite fortuitous! Last year I went to the mountains in the south for a spell, and got lost in the fog. A huge beast the size of a "Cal. Etienne-Louis" was glaring at me, and I thought I was done for! But just then...
Hautemontagne:
A little kid suddenly shouted at me! I followed the sound through the mist and got out, and was saved! Otherwise, I would've been eaten, just like that, and my family in Fontaine wouldn't even have been able to claim compensation on my account!
Little Mao:
Heehee, I know more about what goes on in the mountains than the grown-ups!
Paimon:
Is that so? You're amazing, Little Mao!
Hautemontagne:
Alright, got it! I'll be there in a jiffy. *sigh* All the shows here are just too good. I ended up watching several, one right after the other, and now my legs have fallen asleep. But I just can't understand a word... What sorts of stories are they telling?
Little Mao:
It's about how way back when, a huge carp and a monster from the mountains fought! A "you kill me, I kill you" story. In the end, everyone dies!
Hautemontagne:
Uh... That's a pretty concise summary! But don't talk about killing and dying so much, Little Mao! If you think about that kind of stuff too often, you might become the villain when you grow up!
Hautemontagne:
Since those in Qiaoying Village are waiting on me, it's time to go! See you all later!
Little Mao:
Let's go watch the shows here again when you're about to head back to Fontaine!
Paimon:
Okay, now that we've solved the puzzle, we can get back to business. Little Mao, how about you?
Little Mao:
What are you two going to do?
Paimon:
Huh? To be honest, we're not quite sure how to explain it... The water and soil in Chenyu Vale are kinda out of whack, and we need to cure them for everything in Chenyu Vale to get better.
Little Mao:
I get it! Ms. Paimon is trying to say that we need to restore nature?
Paimon:
Hey, that's right! You're really amazing, Little Mao, you got it right away!
Traveler:
"Restoring nature," you say? Did someone talk to you about that?
Little Mao:
That's right — a friend who's always taking care of me told me! She wants to restore nature too. If we restore nature, everything will get better, so I want to help too. She also told me about you two!
Paimon:
Oh! So you've seen her too?
Little Mao:
Huh? You mean my friend? Of course! Silly Ms. Paimon, how could we be friends if I'd never seen her?
Paimon:
Fair point! That makes things easier! Actually, we want to... Paimon remembers we need to find the jade treasures in the water, and then do some Rainjade Rite. But even though we've come upstream, we still haven't found any clues...
Little Mao:
Ah! I know! Come with me, I'll show you where to look!
Paimon:
What? Is it really that easy?
Traveler:
Little Mao, your friend wants to restore nature, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah! She's told me a lot, such as stories from before Qiaoying Village became Qiaoying Village, how the tea trees came to be, and more. She said that things will get worse and worse in Chenyu Vale if the natural order isn't restored.
Paimon:
Oh! Looks like we're on the same page then.
Paimon:
Little Mao, you just said you knew where we could find leads, right?
Little Mao:
Yeah... I don't know if it'll help, but when you mentioned "jade treasures" and "Rainjade" and stuff, I just thought of it! Come with me!
Paimon:
Yup, let's go!
Paimon:
By the way, Paimon's not sure if this is an appropriate thing to say but... your aura seems a bit different from that of the other adepti we've met somehow...
Fujin:
Hehe, my friends have said similar things before. But surely it's only natural that each individual pers— *cough* I mean, adeptus has an "aura" of their own?
Paimon:
Your friends, huh... Ooh, they must also be formidable adepti, like Moon Carver or Mountain Shaper!
Fujin:
...
Fujin:
...Yes, that's exactly how it is. It's just that... those two friends are probably busy taking care of their own affairs right now. That is why one must leave this business of nursing the water and soil to the two of you instead.
Paimon:
Uhh, still not sure what exactly it is we're meant to do, but, uh... we'll go take a look, anyway!
Little Mao seems to have some information about how to help heal Chenyu Vale...
Little Mao:
This is it! It's the clue I wanted to show you before, right here!
Paimon:
...What on Teyvat is that? It's so covered in moss that Paimon can't make heads or tails of it.
Little Mao:
Ehhh? There wasn't any moss the last time I came here...
Paimon:
No need to worry, Little Mao! It's so humid here that it's no wonder there's moss growing everywhere. Hmm, there must be a way to clear it away...
Little Mao:
Look, Nhà Lữ Hành, look! It's a scene of ancient people attending a festival and performing a ritual. Pretty different from the festivals we have today, huh?
Little Mao:
Although the grown-ups in the city and the village all say that the Lord of Geo was the first to arrive in Chenyu Vale, I've heard that the people in the picture actually got here even earlier than he did!
Little Mao:
People back then used to throw bits of magic jade into the river, and they'd float along until they sank to the bottom. They saw it as a way to guarantee good weather, prevent the river from flooding, and ensure that the soil would be fertile.
Little Mao:
Based on what we previously discussed, I'm guessing that Chenyu Vale will only be fixed after we've found some jade that was thrown into the river in ancient times! That makes sense, doesn't it?
Paimon:
Wow, you're so knowledgeable! Was your friend also the one who told you these stories?
Paimon:
Hmph! Little Mao's a local, so of course he understands this place better than Paimon!
Little Mao:
Yep, and... Everyone'll be really blessed and live happily ever after, and all that...
Little Mao:
Hehe, but I much prefer hearing her stories about ancient wars and battles... She told me that the warriors back then were all giants who were over ten feet tall!
Little Mao:
The warriors of Chenyu Vale were covered in tattoos, and they had these massive jade axes that could chop a person in half in the blink of an eye!
Little Mao:
And the Millelith, led by none other than the Lord of Geo himself, were even tougher! They clad themselves in suits of armor that weighed over a thousand pounds and fought with hundred-pound spears! Apparently, everyone was at war back then, so much so that Bishui River turned crimson red...
Little Mao:
Later on, the mountains to the south became full of ghosts from that era. Even now, those who wander through the mountains might still be able to catch their singing on the wind...
Paimon:
Ergh...
Traveler:
Yikes, scary stuff! Cover your ears, Mini Pie.
Paimon:
Hmph, who's Mini Pie? Hautemontagne's right though — if you constantly think about this stuff, you'll turn into a villain when you're older!
Little Mao:
Hehe... There's no way grown-ups would tell us these stories. They always say we're too young to hear them, that they'll turn us rotten, and stuff like that.
Little Mao:
But I'm old enough already! Hearing a story's not going to turn me into a monster. Besides, there aren't many adults still around who know these stories anyway. If my friend hadn't told me, I wouldn't even have known the stories about this picture!
Paimon:
Okay, fine then, guess we'll move on.
Little Mao:
So... the grown-ups were right to say that those ancient people threw the jade into the river from somewhere high up... but where exactly? And where did all the jade float off to...?
Paimon:
Uh... Well, it must have sunk to the bottom, right?
Little Mao:
It's not that simple... If it was thrown in somewhere upriver, and even if it sank to the bottom, it would still be pushed downriver by the current. Let alone after so many years...
Little Mao:
Besides, I've never heard talk of any ancient ritual jade being found upriver... Chenyu Vale is a small place, after all. If there had been such rumors, everyone would already know about them.
Paimon:
Hehe, you know so much. You're future scholar material for sure!
Little Mao:
Hehe... But what if I don't want to be a scholar? They don't earn much Mora, and it sounds like no fun!
Paimon:
Then become a traveler, just like us! What could be more fun than adventuring around the world?
Little Mao:
Hmm... Seeing as we now know the site of the Rainjade Rite, what should we do next?
Traveler:
Why don't we go somewhere high up to take a look?
Little Mao:
High up, hmm... The watchtower at Yilong Wharf's pretty high up!
Little Mao:
Alright! Let's go!
Little Mao:
Look! From up here, you can clearly see how the water moves faster through those narrows, then slows down again as the river widens out. The jade must have stopped there! We should find what we're looking for there.
Paimon:
Wow, you're such a real whiz-kid! Paimon's been wondering though... What's that massive thing in the distance?
Little Mao:
That huge thing is the Jademouth, a legendary "jade ring" that an adeptus threw into the water!
Little Mao:
Oh... But the river curves around there, so the current should actually speed up.
Traveler:
But the river gradually gets wider there.
Little Mao:
Yeah, so the rapid flow around the bend might have resulted in things being deposited along the convex bank where it widens... So there's actually a good chance that the jade is at the bottom of the river somewhere around Jademouth. Of course, that's assuming that the course of the river hasn't been artificially altered!
Little Mao:
Hmm, not to mention... There's a fisherman's legend that goes something like... "Jade shall rise from sunken mouth"... or something like that. Anyway, let's go over and take a look around first.
Paimon:
Compared to Little Mao, Paimon feels like she's completely out of her depth...
Little Mao:
Hehe, it's because my friend is amazing! She knows everything there is to know about the mountains, and she's taught me loads too — that's how I've learned so much.
Little Mao:
Uhh, that's not what I meant! I mean, you unblocked the cave and got rid of that moss in a flash, after all, and I have no idea how you even did that!
Traveler:
I'm just kidding, don't overthink it.
Little Mao:
Whatever the case, let's go down and get on a bamboo raft!
Paimon:
Hoho, yeah! Jademouth, here we come!
Little Mao:
We're here, this is the Jademouth!
Paimon:
Such a huge hunk of jade, and even the other pieces on it are massive! Whoever it was that threw it down, adeptus or not, must have been absolutely titanic!
Little Mao:
Hehe, adepti come in all shapes and sizes. "They could be as tall as the clouds, or small enough to hide amidst pool and leaf..." Agh, how did the rest of it go again... anyway, you get the picture! To sum up, adepti rule!
Paimon:
Well, here's the Jademouth. But how are we gonna find all that jade underwater?
Little Mao:
Ah, so that's how it is. "...The spring's cries ripple through the vales, the shrines depart from northeast shores..."
Little Mao:
"The heights and shallows in the southwest hide, sun and earth from each other divide, the eternal whirlpool that never churns, the beautiful jade concealed within..."
Paimon:
What's that Little Mao's singing about? It sounds pretty complicated...
Little Mao:
It's one of our local folksongs, I heard an old granny singing it as she was gathering herbs! It means... If you look out from the center of the river to the banks on either side, you'll see two stone shrines hidden to the northeast and the southwest. These shrines keep the mighty whirlpool in the center suppressed...
Paimon:
Paimon understood the last bit! So the jade is all hidden beneath the whirlpool?
Little Mao:
Yep! Sounds like we're going treasure hunting, hooray!
Paimon:
But the area between the northeast and southwest is so huge! After all, in a broad sense, the northeast and southwest of Jademouth can include... pretty much the whole world?
Little Mao:
You're always thinking outside the box, Ms. Paimon! But there's no need to worry, I already have an idea where the shrines will be, because... Well, my friend told me! Come on, let's roll.
Traveler:
Does anyone else think a giant maelstrom suddenly appearing here might not be too great?
Paimon:
Oh, yeah! Won't that mean that boats will no longer be able to sail in and out of Yilong Wharf?
Little Mao:
Oh, don't worry about that! My friend told me that once we've done what we need to beneath, the whirlpool will disappear completely! Otherwise, how would all the old boatmen carry on making a living?
Paimon:
Wow, so it's not just a smart whirlpool, but a considerate one to boot! Let's get going then!
Little Mao:
Wow, she's... she really was right about you. You're pretty out of the ordinary.
Paimon:
Well, guess that settles it!
Little Mao:
Wow, you're amazing! Even my friend couldn't do anything about the shrines!
Paimon:
Hehe, you got that right!
Little Mao:
Huh. We haven't seen the whirlpool from the song yet...
Paimon:
What should we do next?
Little Mao:
How about... Giving that "adeptal energy" of yours a try, Nhà Lữ Hành?
Little Mao:
"Fujin"?
Fujin:
Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon, we meet again. And who might this be?
Paimon:
Huh? You haven't met before? This is Little Mao, he's helped us so much along the way.
Fujin:
No, we haven't met before. But you must be a good child, Little Mao.
Little Mao:
Hello, and yes, that's me! Miss, are you... an adeptus? You are, aren't you?
Traveler:
This is Adeptus Fujin.
Fujin:
Hehe, thanks for all the help you've given Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon, Little Mao.
Little Mao:
It's really the legendary Fujin, in the flesh! I can't believe this, I've heard so many stories about you! And... Now I know that you're not some kind of big, slippery Carp, but a lady instead, like a big sister!
Paimon:
B—Big Carp!? Honestly, what kind of stories have you been listening to, Little Mao?
Fujin:
Ahem...! One is indeed an adeptus, and as such, can take forms as one pleases. This particular form seemed like the most approachable one for conversing with humans...
Fujin:
Hmm, from what you've said... You have a very unique scent, Little Mao. Have you met someone in the mountains before? Someone with golden eyes and a fair complexion, perhaps?
Little Mao:
Uh, not exactly... Big Sis Fujin, you're not talking about one of your other friends, are you? My friend from the mountains doesn't sparkle like you do, but she's also really cool! She's helped me tons and taught me loads...
Fujin:
So it was her after all...
Paimon:
So your friend wasn't Adeptus Fujin after all, huh?
Little Mao:
But Big Sis Fujin's my friend too now, isn't she?
Fujin:
Of course, Little Mao! I am delighted to have made friends with you.
Traveler:
...But I've met more! Whoop whoop, go me! I win!
Little Mao:
?
Fujin:
Huh? Wha...?
Paimon:
Uhh... Don't worry about him. Anyway, does that mean Little Mao's friend is also an adeptus?
Fujin:
As for whether Little Mao's friend counts as an adeptus or not... I'm not quite sure myself. After all, "adeptus" is merely a title — and it's hard to say whether adepti are even "people."
Fujin:
The word "adeptus" is just like any other word, such as "hero," "villain," or "idiot"... No one is born an adeptus, and no one shall remain an adeptus forever.
Paimon:
That's true... So you've met that friend of Little Mao's that we were talking about, right?
Fujin:
Indeed. But it's been a long, long time since last I saw her. So now... I suspect that I don't know her half as well as Little Mao does. I'm not even sure if I still count as her friend.
Traveler:
According to what Little Mao said...
Traveler:
His "friend" wants to restore nature.
Fujin:
...I would imagine so.
Fujin:
Anyway, I must ask you all to please take this piece of "Votive Rainjade." I had originally hoped it might remain here, the same as it ever was, but I never expected it to grow quite so large... *sigh* I used to love it so...
Paimon:
This "Rainjade" that you just mentioned... Did it rain down, or make it rain, or something...?
Fujin:
Hehe, of course not. After the great changes in our geology, our... the ancestors of the people of Chenyu Vale lost their ability to communicate with the heavens, and lost the guidance of emissaries whose beauty was pure as moonlight.
Fujin:
Henceforth, they began to take jade, which glowed as gently as the light of the moon, and cast it into the river. As they did this, they would pray for good omens, for fertile land, for clement weather, and for their riverbanks to hold strong. Over time, these rituals grew in power, until one day...
Fujin:
One day...
Fujin:
...
Little Mao:
Big Sis Fujin? What happened next?
Fujin:
...One day, the long war to become the gods who would reign over this world began. Afterward, this tradition lost all of its meaning. But though it was forgotten, its name is still passed down over generations.
Fujin:
To cut a long story short, this piece of Votive Rainjade before us... Was the very last one ever to be thrown.
Fujin:
Just as the part above the surface — when commanded by an adeptal art — can be made large enough to stop a flood, its core, too, has been swollen by uncontrolled adeptal energy. Much of its power has dissipated into the surrounding area through the spirit veins.
Fujin:
This power may also have affected the nearby flora and fauna, attracting and even making aberrations of them. You must be careful.
Paimon:
Wh—What?
Fujin:
As far as I can tell, the adeptal energy that has dissipated nearby should be sufficient to re-awaken the hibernating Votive Rainjade. If this is the case, we're one step closer to achieving our goal of nursing the water and soil back to health.
Fujin:
Ahem, how should I say this? Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon... thank you both. You're doing an amazing thing by choosing to help me, you know. And Little Mao... Will you help me too? Will you help out your Big Sis?
Little Mao:
Of course, I want to restore nature too!
Fujin:
...Is that so? Well that's good. You're very smart, Little Mao! You'll understand everything later.
Fujin:
Alright, then let us go our separate ways for now.
Fujin:
Once you've retrieved the adeptal energy-filled Votive Rainjade, we'll meet again by a deep pool shrouded in cloud and mist to the south.
Paimon:
The south... Got it! Eh...? She's gone and disappeared again!
Little Mao:
Ah well! Let's just do what Big Sis Fujin said and restore this Voting Rainjade's power!
Little Mao:
Speaking of which... What's it got to do with voting?
Paimon:
See, see! You're not that much brighter than Paimon, hmph!
Traveler:
It's "Votive."
Little Mao:
Oh, right...
Little Mao:
It's so complicated!
Paimon:
Though, since you mentioned it... What does "Votive" even mean? And why is it called "Rainjade" again?
Little Mao:
Exactly! What does it mean!?
Paimon:
Huh. Seems like the jade's starting to move...
Little Mao:
That's right. But according to the story, the riverbed should have lots of other Votive Rainjades. Why does Big Sis Fujin only want this one?
Paimon:
Look! It's shining, almost as if it's resonating with the adeptal energy on you, Nhà Lữ Hành!
Paimon:
Why don't we try using that power, eh?
Little Mao:
That should do it. Wow, awesome! It suddenly became small!
Paimon:
Yeah! Paimon didn't think it'd just change size like that. Guess that's a millennia-old treasure for you... It's just like you said, Little Mao! "They could be as tall as the clouds, or small enough to hide amidst pool and leaf..."
Little Mao:
Yeah! Well, looks like the Votive Rainjade's in our hands now. You're so reliable, Nhà Lữ Hành!
Paimon:
Hey, Paimon worked hard too!
Little Mao:
Ms. Paimon's amazing! So you're going to take us to that "deep pool shrouded in cloud and mist to the south" now, right?
Little Mao:
Clouds and mist... Hmm... I think Chenyu Vale really does have places like that.
Paimon:
But where? Tell us, little guide, and Paimon'll take you there!
Little Mao:
Do you remember the place Mountain mentioned, the spot where we met? That place is super foggy, and I know of a secret cavern that leads there. Even the other locals don't know about it.
Little Mao:
It was my friend who showed me the way, and since you're my friend too, Paimon, I'll tell you all about it!
Little Mao:
Hehe, of course. Uh, well, you're both pretty impressive too!
Paimon:
Well, any friend of yours is a friend of ours too! In fact, Paimon hopes we'll meet her on the way.
Paimon:
Shall we go? Paimon's gonna take you all to the... place you mentioned, Little Mao!
Traveler:
Take us away, Ms. Paimon!
Paimon:
Alrighty then. Let's go!
Paimon:
Uh... Looks like there's another realm in here...
Paimon:
Huh? Hilichurls! Get behind us, Mao!
Little Mao:
Hehe... Stuff like this happens sometimes, but my friend would always chase them away, so... I'm not scared at all!
Paimon:
Your friend must be pretty strong... Could she be some sorta adeptus too...?
Little Mao:
Well... I wouldn't say so. In fact, she forbade me from talking about her willy-nilly, so... Well, sorry.
Paimon:
Eh? Come on, no need to apologize!
Bosu:
Someone coming aboard? ...Wait, is that Little Mao? Come, come, I'll take you!
Little Mao:
Here we are. There's a cavern behind this waterfall. Try not to get soaked, you might catch a cold!
Little Mao:
Eh? It's blocked off...
Paimon:
Um, how about you give that "adeptal energy" a go, Nhà Lữ Hành?
Little Mao:
There's more water in here than before. Maybe I'll have to swim in next time.
Little Mao:
Look at that bamboo raft. Guess we've got a boat we can take now!
Little Mao:
Alright, boatman, take us to the Jademouth!
Bosu:
Alright, Jademouth it is! The other two, you're... tourists? Haha, well if you're here for sightseeing, there's not many locals who head that way.
Little Mao:
Hehe, you could say that! Mr. Boatman, are there any stories about the Jademouth that I haven't heard before?
Bosu:
Knowing you and how much you love your stories, kiddo, you must have heard them all by now!
Little Mao:
Tell me more, tell me more!
Bosu:
Alright then... Well, I've heard it mentioned that the Jademouth was left behind by Rex Lapis when he marched through here to save the people of Chenyu Vale. Legend has it that to prevent a naval advance from downstream, the local adepti...
Little Mao:
You're making it up as you go again, gramps! There's no way that Liyue's navy came up this river! I've heard that the Jademouth was formed by a piece of jade left behind by a giant Carp!
Little Mao:
In those days, a baddie god tried to redirect the river to drown the Millelith stationed on both of the banks in Chenyu Vale, but a giant white snake and a giant Carp who were her subordinates disobeyed her orders. The giant white snake held up the baddie god, while the giant Carp...
Little Mao:
She threw the jades she wore here. The jades pinned the river down, and ever since, we've had no more floods, and everyone can live peaceful lives on both sides of the river.
Bosu:
Hehe, you might understand a lot kiddo, but you haven't seen much. Take a closer look — there aren't any crops by this river!
Bosu:
See, after it was pinned down by the jades, it's true that the river hasn't flooded... But that's also meant it hasn't been able to provide irrigation for crops! So what was once a wide, gently-flowing river is today a narrow, rapid-flowing torrent instead.
Bosu:
Such a river leaves no sustenance for the earth on its banks. Haha, and of course that also means no people living peaceful lives on both its sides...
Paimon:
Paimon gets it now... But did you just say that the adepti were resisting the Lord of Geo, Little Mao?
Little Mao:
That's how it was, all that time ago... Some people believe that the first lord of all Liyue was Rex Lapis. But in Chenyu Vale, we believe that before he came, there were other gods and adepti who protected our ancestors.
Little Mao:
I've heard Grandpa Lu say that the tea ceremony is actually for the Carp adeptus who planted our first tea tree!
Paimon:
Oooh... But aren't these adepti meant to be the baddies? They were serving under a baddie god, after all!
Little Mao:
In some stories they're the baddies, while in others they're the goodies. But it was all such a long, long time ago. Even the grown-ups don't remember much, so they always try to bluff me.
Bosu:
Hehe... Talking about that friend of yours again? *sigh* How can such supernatural beings be held to our simple codes of right and wrong? As far as we're concerned, all the forces that have ever blessed and protected this land deserve our offerings.
Little Mao:
Aaaah, there you go again!
Bosu:
Hahahaha! Alright then, time to get off — we're here!
Little Mao:
Thanks, gramps!
Little Mao:
Eh? We're not boarding? Well, guess we can just follow the riverbank instead!
Paimon:
The terrain here is pretty tough! Aren't you scared of danger, Little Mao?
Little Mao:
Of course I am! But... I guess it's because you're afraid that you can bravely climb, right? If you weren't scared at all, you wouldn't care about what kind of roads or stones you tread on. Wouldn't that be more dangerous?
Paimon:
Hah, Paimon scared of these mountain roads even without worrying about all that...
Little Mao:
Hahaha, are you afraid you'll fall off?
Paimon:
Paimon's... worried about Nhà Lữ Hành! Yeah, that's right!
Little Mao:
Speaking of which, I've heard that the Jademouth was formed by a piece of jade left behind by an adeptus named Fujin...
Little Mao:
In those days, the local god — a real baddie, of course — tried to redirect the Bishui River to flood both banks in Chenyu Vale, but an adeptus who was her subordinate, Fujin, disobeyed her orders and threw the jades she wore here.
Little Mao:
The jades pinned the river down, and ever since, we've had no more floods, and everyone can live peaceful lives on both sides of the river.
Paimon:
Huh? Fujin...? Paimon thinks we've met her...
Little Mao:
Oh? So she was the adeptus you met?
Paimon:
That's right. She even asked us to perform a bunch of errands for her. Said she wanted our help solving Qiaoying Village's problems. According to her, things could get ugly if those issues keep piling up!
Little Mao:
Huh... I see...
Little Mao:
Shall we go?
Little Mao:
Alright then!
Little Mao:
You know, we might be able to call the whirlpool forth if we try using that adeptal energy!
Little Mao:
You're back, shall we go?
Paimon:
Then let's be off, fellow spelunkers!