Qimen Arts and the Rite of Homa, the Spirits are Calmed and Life Restored

Whoa, everyone's here already...

Hey, Paimon. Did you have a good rest?

Hehe, yup! Pretty good, thanks!

How's the situation looking?

Since we last met, we've seen an uptick in patient numbers in Liyue Harbor.

Also, my cousin wrote back to me. She mentioned that people have started to get sick in Yilong Wharf as well.

Oh no, it's spread to Yilong Wharf now?

Mm, but as long as we solve the core problem, the fetor in people's bodies will dissipate, and they'll make a speedy recovery.

And the good news is that thanks to the Tianquan's efforts, we now have the locations of all eight gates.

Woohoo! So what's the plan?

Tonight, we will deploy the array, and set up a Homa Altar at each of the gates. This will enable the funeral parlor's secret art to incinerate the fetor.

Since the gates are interconnected via the Ley Lines, the secret art will be amplified to all of Liyue. Not a single wisp of fetor will escape its grasp.

Mm-hmm! It's gonna be the biggest purification ceremony in the funeral parlor's history.

Okay, so what are the locations of the eight gates?

You needn't worry — they're all accounted for. Actually, we already knew the locations of the first four two days ago.

Keqing has already set out for the Gate of Life in Yilong Wharf, and Ganyu is en route to the Gate of Concealment at Mt. Aocang. Beidou is covering the Gate of Fright at Guyun Stone Forest, and Yelan will tackle the Gate of Injury at The Chasm.

As of last night, we confirmed the locations of the remaining four gates. The fifth is the Gate of Terrain at Dihua Marsh, which the Conqueror of Demons has pledged to defend.

The sixth is the Gate of Repose in Qingce Village. This one has been claimed by the Bubu Pharmacy duo.

The seventh is the Gate of Initiation, located here in Liyue Harbor. Lan Yan and I will see to this one.

What about the final gate?

Last but not least is the Gate of Death at Wuwang Hill. Which, let's be honest, has Director Hu written all over it.

Huh? Wait, so you've assigned all of the gates already!?

Sorry! You got here too late.

You trying to steal my job now? Nuh-uh, hands off!

But the Gate of Death sounds so dangerous... And you only just got back from the border...

You're right that it's the most dangerous gate. Which is exactly why it needs an expert on life and death like me!

If you have to take a gate, go steal the Tianquan's instead, hehe.

旅行者, I appreciate your eagerness to help, and as it happens, Miss Lan Yan and I do have a matter we'd like to discuss with you.

That's right. But let's discuss it once Director Hu's done with you.

Wait... so Director Hu DOES need me for something?

Hehe, sorry, I went ahead and told them I'd be stealing you for a little while.

I haven't had much time to enjoy myself this Lantern Rite. And come this evening, I have to leave the city again, which means I'll miss out on all the lanterns.

So I want to use the little down time I have to go hand out some fortune coins to my friends. Then I can at least say I did Lantern Rite this year. Fancy joining me for that?

Absolutely.

Hehe, this is the one thing Director Hu's had to look forward to. Otherwise, she'd have set out for Wuwang Hill by now.

Oh, so you were waiting for us all this time?

Hehe, it's okay. Since time was tight, I already asked the Tianquan to pass along my fortune coins to all the people handling the gates.

I'm grateful for their help — it should have been the funeral parlor's responsibility, after all.

Think nothing of it, Director Hu.

Anyway, I have a few friends left to visit in Liyue Harbor. Let's do the rounds, shall we?

Hu Tao, 旅行者, and Paimon...

Oh? I didn't expect to see you here at this hour.

We are just about to set out for Qingce Village!

Hehe, guess we caught you just in time, then. We're here to deliver some fortune coins!

Hm, you're in unusually good spirits, Director Hu... Even pesky Baizhu gets a fortune coin today?

Of course, of course! There's enough for everyone. Here, this one's for you.

It's the sun symbol...

You're absolutely right, Dr. Baizhu — in terms of your peskiness, I mean.

So I'm afraid I won't be wishing you success in your medical and immortality-seeking endeavors. That would just make things unnecessarily difficult for me.

The sun symbol symbolizes peace and harmony in the world. My wish is that all shall be cured of their ailments before arriving at your door, so you'll be spared the sight of pain and suffering.

Haha, I see. Director Hu's hoping that you go out of business, Baizhu.

Hehe, Changsheng, this one's for you.

Let me see, let me see... Ooh, a cross symbol!

Mm-hmm! The cross symbol represents growth, prosperity, and balance between heaven and earth. May you soon regain all the power and memories you possessed in your prime!

That's very thoughtful of you, Director Hu. I assume you also brought one for Qiqi?

F—For me?

Yup! This peace symbol coin is for you, Qiqi. It symbolizes safe passage. In other words — stay away from dangerous places the next time you go herb-gathering.

If anything were to happen to you, poor Mr. Baizhu would be in a real pickle — because he'd have no one to study the secrets of immortality from.

And I'd be affected too, of course. I can't bury you if I don't know where you are.

Uh, got it...

Aw, it's nice to see that Qiqi's recovering well from all that fetor at the border.

I am a zombie. Zombies can't get sick.

In fact, Qiqi insisted on joining me at the gate tonight. She's determined to help eradicate the fetor.

Bad fetor. I don't like it.

It can make people sick, and then Baizhu has to heal them. It can also make people die. And then they have to get buried by Hu Tao.

Too much trouble...

Don't worry, Qiqi. Tonight, we'll solve the problem once and for all.

Alright, everyone, we won't overstay our welcome.

One moment, Director Hu.

What's wrong? ...Huh? Wait, what are you doing?

Aha, so the secret art works even when there's no illness present... Seems like a sizeable step forward for Baizhu's research.

Tonight, you will stand guard over the Gate of Death — the most ominous gate of them all. It may not help much, but I transferred a little extra life force to you. May it help you stay alert and focused during the proceedings.

Hopefully not at a detriment to your own health, though?

You needn't worry about that. As your archenemy, why would I undermine myself to help my opponent?

Hahaha, alright, well said. Okay — this time I really am leaving. Bye, everyone.

Good luck, Hu Tao...

Oh, Yun Jin! Aka, Ms. Yun! Also aka Director Yun!

Huh? Hu Tao? What brings you here? Oh, and 旅行者 and Paimon, too...

Is this about the other day? I swear, I didn't say anything bad about you! They were just trying to find out where you'd gone!

Haha, no it's not about that! I'm just here to say hi to my friend... assuming that's alright with you?

Oh. Uh, yeah, of course!

Also, she brought some fortune coins for you!

Yep yep! Hehe, take a look!

What are these?

They're fortune coins engraved with the yardstick symbol. One for you, and one for Xinyan.

You're the top performing artists in all of Liyue Harbor, and I wish you success beyond measure!

Could you pass Xinyan's coin to her for me? I haven't been able to find her all day, but I know she won't miss your show tonight.

Thanks, Hu Tao. I really appreciate the coin! But... how come you can't just give it to her yourself this evening?

I'd love to, but unfortunately I won't make it to the lantern display tonight. That's the whole reason I'm here now.

Oh... how come? You have something else on?

Just a little thing I have to do for work.

Ah, right... I heard the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced that they'll be reviving an ancient ceremony tonight — something about lighting a flame to dispel the smog.

Your little work thing wouldn't have anything to do with that, would it?

You're a sharp one, Yun Jin. Yes, that's exactly it.

Is it... dangerous?

Technically, but only a teeny tiny little bit. 旅行者 will back me up on that.

Yeah, Hu Tao's right.

...Are you sure?

Ah, come on Yun Jin. I get that you won't take my word for it, but if you can't trust 旅行者, whom can you trust?

I didn't mean it like that... Anyway, since you can't make it tonight, how about I sing "The Sanctification of Tao Dou" for you right now? Does that sound good?

Hehe, that's so nice of you! But since you're offering... I'd rather hear a certain other tune instead. You know the one, right?

Uh... which one? Sorry, I'm a little lost...

You know! You've sung it to me before!

What are you talking about? Is this supposed to be a riddle?

The opera version of the Hilitune! We made a bet, and agreed that whoever lost had to sing lyrics chosen by the winner in their own style. The result was Yun Jin's spectacular operatic version of the Hilitune. You guys seriously need to hear it.

Aw, Yun Jin... Don't tell me you're embarrassed to sing it now that 旅行者 is here...?

What are you talking about? Of course not...

Pretty please, Yun Jin? Just once, for me? I really want to hear it again.

Alright, alright, I'll sing it for you after the show tonight. How about that?

Noooooo, I want to hear it now!

Why?

Oh, don't play dumb, you know why! Hu Tao's a sassy little brat who always gets whatever she wants! Mostly because she's sooo adorable that no one has the heart to turn her down! La-la-la-la-la, life is grand~

*sigh* You are unbelievable... Alright. I'll sing, but please — do not laugh at me.

Yay! Operatic Hilitune, let's go!

♪ Silly-churl, billy-churl, silly-billy Hilichurl... ♪

Bravo, bravissimo! Well, what do you think — glad I dragged you out now?

It was a truly unique performance.

I must look ridiculous...

Hee-hee, thanks for indulging me, Yun Jin. You're a star! We should head off now, as I still have one person to give a fortune coin to.

No, wait... Hu Tao, be honest. You guys aren't hiding anything from me, are you?

Of course not! Put that thought right out of your head.

Alright. Then whenever you're done with your work — whether it's tomorrow, the day after, or whenever — come find me again, and I'll sing "The Sanctification of Tao Dou" for you.

...Hmm?

Let me rephrase. Hu Tao, 旅行者 — promise me you'll come and see me perform some day soon, okay?

Sure! You got it!

Whoa! You got a new outfit too? You look amazing, Xiangling!

Ooh, you think? Hmm, then what does that say about my taste? Hint, hint?

Yeah, yeah, Director Hu has the most exquisite taste in the world, et cetera.

I see, so it's a gift from Hu Tao.

A thank-you gift, technically. I sought out that Fontaine fashion designer and gave her a brief description of Xiangling.

Her work is incredible! Especially this Guoba hat. It's just as cute as the real Guoba!

♪~

It's great seeing both of you together dressed in your new outfits. You almost look like sisters!

Hehe, that's a given!

Oh, also — Xiangling, I got you a little something else too. It's a fortune coin.

This career fortune coin is for you! May you go from strength to strength, and may the Wanmin Restaurant get so many customers that it needs to be rebuilt ten times bigger!

I dunno, Hu Tao, you're kind of asking a lot of me there...

Wait, I'm not done! I've got two more coins — a "family fortune" one for Xingqiu, and a "spirit and vigor" one for Chongyun. I believe they've already left for Chenyu Vale, so could you pass them on when they get back?

Uh... Why get me involved? Can't you just give these to them yourself?

Ugh, because I've gotta work tonight. And I don't wanna keep them waiting.

Fair enough... Wait, does that mean you're involved in tonight's ceremony thing? I heard the announcement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

That's the one! As soon as the ceremony is complete, Xingqiu's great-grandfather will start to recover, and Miss Ying'er's boyfriend will be as right as rain.

Whoa, sounds amazing! So is this what's been keeping you busy these past few days? No wonder we still haven't had that meal together... I bet you've barely had a moment to breathe.

Once the ceremony's over, come for food with us, okay?

Sure thing! Sounds good!

Promise you won't stand us up this time?

I promise! 旅行者 will hold me to it!

Okay, I can get behind that... If you're a no-show, I'm sending 旅行者 to track you down and drag you back to the dinner table kicking and screaming!

Mission accepted.

Great, then we have a deal! We should head out now — see you later Xiangling!

Hee-hee, Paimon's so excited! What fortune are we gonna get?

Give me a second... Aha, found it! Here's yours, Paimon.

What does this symbol mean?

It's a treasure symbol! My wish for you is that you'll always have an endless supply of Mora, so you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want!

Wow! You get Paimon like no one else does... Thank you, Hu Tao! Thank you so, so much!

So where's mine, huh?

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you! Just give me a moment, I'll be right back.

Huh? Why'd you change back, Hu Tao?

Because I'll be working tonight! Hehe, I've always been very serious when it comes to work.

...Is this my gift?

Look again! Do you see anything about me that's different from before?

Heh... I mean, yes, but I was hoping you'd be a little more observant than that...

Here. This plum branch is for you.

Wait, isn't this the branch from your hat!?

Yes, and going back further, it's from a tree that I planted myself. 旅行者, you have countless friends in Liyue Harbor, so I'm sure you'll get plenty of fortune coins.

I wanted to give you something different. Something that will remind you of me whenever you look at it.

Eek! Paimon doesn't like the sound of that!

Okay, then I'll rephrase: Something you can take a look at whenever you miss me.

You just made it worse!

What do you mean? I don't know what's going through your head... Look, all I'm saying is, I can't be by your side 24/7 like Paimon can. There's gonna be times when we're apart.

Phew, you scared Paimon!

...I've got a gift for you, too.

Huh? Wait, that sigil... Is this one of the fabled Rex coins!?

You've got a great eye, Hu Tao! It's a Rex coin — although, probably not the genuine article, 'cause the Conqueror of Demons told us he couldn't sense Rex Lapis's power in it.

But still, the owner before us was someone pretty important.

Yeah, that too! So maybe it can keep you safe.

Wow, this is a really special gift... I'll take it! Hehe, thank you both. I'll stay safe, don't you worry.

Anyway, it's getting late, and I have a few things to get ready before I head out to Wuwang Hill. Besides, you should probably get back to Yujing Terrace now — I know the Tianquan's still waiting for you.

Please, be careful.

Don't worry, I got this.

Alright then, bye-bye! And remember — the sooner you get back, the sooner we can go for a meal together! And hear Yun Jin's singing!

Got it! See ya!

It was so nice to spend this time with you...

Oh! What brings you here? No tea drinking today?

It would be unbecoming of me to sip tea in leisure while my employer toils alone.

Aha, so you do have a heart after all.

Have you made up your mind, Director?

Throughout our history, we've fought off many existential threats with whatever tools we had at our disposal. Today is no different, we just have to rise to the challenge.

It'll be my first time using this array, so who knows how it'll go. But if I know one thing, it's that I must drive death back where it came from.

Oh, also, 旅行者 gave me a special fortune coin — apparently, it's one of those Rex coins. You're more knowledgeable about this kind of thing than me though. So I'd appreciate your second opinion.

It is indeed a Rex coin. It symbolizes good fortune, and may offer some use as a protective charm.

Got it. In that case... after tonight, could you please return it to 旅行者 for me?

You wish to return the gift? For what reason?

旅行者 reached Natlan, and took a trip to the land of the dead while there. It must have been incredibly dangerous.

He's made it this far unscathed, so clearly he's blessed with good fortune. But his journey will only get more dangerous with each step, and that worries me.

So, if there's a chance this Rex coin really can keep a person safe, I want to make sure that person is 旅行者.

You make good points, Director. But have you considered that 旅行者 perhaps had similar wishes for you?

That's another reason I can't afford to keep it...

I don't know what's going to happen tonight. If worse comes to worst and I don't make it back, I don't want 旅行者 to find out this coin didn't work by discovering it in a pile of debris...

What if it upsets him? What if he feels like it's all his fault? I couldn't bear to see him like that... You know what I mean, right, Zhongli?

I fear that I do...

Your concern is that the sight of this coin will only make it more difficult to let go of your worldly attachments.

Haha, it's like you're a mind-reader... You know as well as I do that being too attached is a fatal flaw for a funeral director. It's a vice that's all too easy to fall prey to...

But this time, I must not repeat my dad's mistake. That is what's most important here.

...Alright, since we're this far in, I might as well just tell you the rest too. If I don't return tonight, you'll no longer be a consultant... Because you'll be the 78th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

...Your work is far from done, Director. I fear there is no one who could hope to take your place.

"Live in life, and die in death." If my time has come, then so be it. There's no sense resisting the inevitable.

Nevertheless, I would urge caution. Focus on the task at hand, not what transpired in the past. And do not forget the rest of that saying: "Follow your heart, and do what you can."

I understand... Alright, it's almost time. I should get going.

It's a really beautiful day today... I should write a poem to capture this moment.

A butterfly dances in a crimson bouquet, for fear of the ominous rainfall that may soon show its face.

With one last, lingering glance at that carmine hue, she lies among the petals in the garden of eternal rest, as she sets the floral incense ablaze.

...The lone butterfly left, but not without a trace. A fragrance remained, her butterfly's embrace.

Ningguang, Lan Yan, we're back! So, what did you want to discuss?

I'll let Miss Lan explain.

Remember how I wrote a letter back home to ask about the array? Well, I got a reply.

Oh! Paimon remembers. So was Hu Tao right? No one has to be sacrificed, right?

...Unfortunately, my cousin could not give me a definitive answer on this, despite scouring the family library.

But, given that the array gets its power from the Ley Lines, she suspects that the obfuscation requirement may be a rule laid down by the mountains and the land.

What does that mean?

Basically... it looks likely that the obfuscation of one person is mandatory after all, because we can't violate the laws of the Ley Lines. Furthermore, the Gate of Death will be used to suppress the fetor this time... which is Director Hu's gate.

So, you're saying, Hu Tao has to die!?

If my cousin's right, and as I said, she can only speculate... But she also provided me with a method that might just be able to save Director Hu's life.

See this? It's a rattan figure I made for the director. One of many. In case you've forgotten, they work by absorbing evil energy in their owner's place, so they won't come to harm.

With the technique my cousin explained, I managed to connect several of these rattan figures to the gate array. That way, the fetor blast will be shared evenly by everyone in the array.

Everyone has agreed to the plan. Keqing, Ganyu, the Conqueror of Demons, Qiqi, Beidou, Yelan, Lan Yan, and I will each hold a rattan figure.

Today's Liyue draws its strength from unity. That is how we quelled an ancient god's wrath without the help of Rex Lapis, and that is why we cannot let the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor shoulder the present crisis alone.

Nevertheless, the danger posed by the fetor is not to be underestimated. The consequences could be grave, even with everyone sharing the blast.

We would like to request your assistance, but the choice is entirely yours. If you have any reservations, we will by no means—

Count me in.

What did I tell you? I knew 旅行者 would help us!

Hehe, I never doubted that for a second.

Then, please take this rattan figure. I'll link you up to the array right now.

Huh? What's going on? This doesn't make any sense...

What's wrong?

I... I don't think I made a mistake, but it seems like... I can't connect 旅行者 to the array.

How can this be? What's the problem?

This should work in the exact same way as the gate array — by using the power of the Ley Lines. But the Ley Lines aren't responding to 旅行者, almost as if they believe he doesn't exist...

Oh! So could... that be the reason?

It's true that the Ley Lines do not contain any information about me.

Is that so? Then perhaps this is simply the will of fate...

I've never heard of anything like that before!

Can we find some other way?

I don't know, this is the first time I've run into a situation like this... I would write to my cousin, but I think we're out of time...

Yes... The lantern display will begin soon.

I know this is frustrating, but given the situation, we have no choice but to release 旅行者 from this duty.

We must hope that we will be able to share the burden on Director Hu's shoulders... and we must have faith that she will return triumphant.

(If I can't connect to the Ley Lines, I can't be obfuscated by them either.)

(That means I can take Hu Tao's place in the array and no one has to get sacrificed. As long as I can find her, that is...)

旅行者, Paimon. Happy Lantern Rite.

Oh, Zhongli! How did we not think of asking Zhongli earlier...?

Regarding the Ley Lines, you mean?

Yeah...? How did you know that, though?

Hehe, in fact, I have been waiting here for some time now.

Zhongli, can you connect me to the Ley Lines?

Since the issue lies with 旅行者's unique constitution, I am afraid that I will be of no help there.

Drat, Paimon totally thought you'd have the answer... Then, why were you waiting for us?

The Director asked me to return this Rex coin to 旅行者.

Why?

It's a gesture of goodwill from the Director. She wishes your safe passage in your future travels.

Huh!? But... what about her?

I suppose that will be up to her.

That's not good enough! Surely there's gotta be something we can do?

As it happens, there is one thing that comes to mind. Namely... If the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method operates according to the principles of the Ley Lines, the same must also be true of the obfuscation process.

But since you cannot connect to the Ley Lines in the first place... Do you see what that implies?

Huh?

If I can't connect to the Ley Lines... Hmm, what does that imply?

The Lantern Rite is about to begin.

My dear compatriots...

Look, it's Lady Ningguang!

Wow, I didn't know she was hosting it herself this year!

It must be 'cause of the ceremony, right? The Ministry of Civil Affairs sent out a notice saying that this year, they're doing a whole ceremony when they light up the Mingxiao Lantern.

...As we stand beneath this lantern-lit night sky, I would like to pay tribute to the ways of our forebears. We pray for the cleansing fire that exorcises evil... and for peace to prevail in our nation.

Let the ceremony begin!

D—Did it work?

I believe it was a success, but...

What's wrong? You two look like you've seen a ghost...

Director Hu's rattan figure has... broken. I can't sense her presence anymore...

What!? How is that possible... You mean, Hu Tao's... she's... Aah, what are we gonna do!?

Hmm? Where'd 旅行者 go?

It would seem that he had something of a breakthrough. So, I sent him on his way.

A breakthrough? About what?

Oh, 旅行者, Paimon... What brings you here?

We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how you were doing.

I see. So Ningguang's explained the situation to you already.

About the Gate of Life...

The Gate of Life symbolizes growth, prosperity, and revitalization. It is the most auspicious of all eight gates. As you can see, this gate is currently situated at Yilong Wharf.

Later tonight, I will use the power of this gate and Director Hu's rattan figure to take on some of the fetor blast for her. With each gate helping to share the load... Yes, I'm sure we'll make it through this crisis.

Hey there you two... I wasn't expecting your company here at Mt. Aocang.

We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how you were doing.

About the Gate of Concealment...

Don't worry. This Gate is a place of refuge, peace, and good fortune. It's the perfect place for Master and the other adepti to live in seclusion. I believe they're currently discussing something in Master's abode.

Once this crisis is over, you'd be more than welcome to come and stay here for a little while. It'd be good for your health.

Hey! How'd you end up stranded out here? Ningguang didn't actually rope you into this too, did she?

We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how it's going.

About the Gate of Fright...

Ah, so you already know what's what.

Since ancient times, the Gate of Fright has been known as a gate of great misfortune. It usually shows up in places filled with fear and desolation.

I guess this place checks all the boxes, with all the demons Rex Lapis suppressed here.

But the Crux Fleet is right at home in places like this, hahaha.

If I didn't have to work tonight, I'd have loved to take you on a walk around the area.

Grandpa... and Dad. Are you here to take me to the other side?

How'd I do as director, huh? Did I do the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor proud?

Absolutely. You did a million times better than me.

Our little girl is the best.

Good. Then... I can join you with no regrets...

We're proud of you, little lady. But we only came to see you because we've missed you.

I've missed you, too... But are you saying... you're not here to bring me into the afterlife?

Live in life, and die in death.... My child, your time has not yet come.

Yes... The day of reunion will come in good time. There is no need to rush.

Look. Someone's here to take you home.

Oh? Fancy seeing you here. Don't you have business with Director Hu to attend to?

Whoa, you really gather intel like it's going out of fashion... But anyway — we heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to check-in.

About the Gate of Injury...

It's piqued your curiosity, huh? Well, this is one of the least fun gates there is. The Gate of Injury symbolizes wounds and loss. It's one of the three gates of great misfortune, along with the Gates of Death and Fright.

A long, long time ago, this was actually the home of the present-day people of Chenyu Vale.

But as you know, there was a huge disaster here. My ancestors fought alongside the Yakshas, and gave their lives to save Liyue from peril.

That's why it has to be me here, guarding this gate. Unless you've got other burning questions, I must ask you to leave at once.

I'm sure you still remember the time we explored the depths of this place together... And I trust you haven't forgotten just how dangerous it was?

Hmm? 旅行者, Paimon. How are you feeling after your trip to the border?

We're feeling great, thanks! We just heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see if there were any issues.

About the Gate of Terrain...

No need to worry. Though the Gate of Terrain symbolizes fire and volatility, it also stands for light, growth, and prosperity. For that reason, it is seen as a somewhat auspicious gate.

The greatest challenge of tonight will be found not here, but at Hu Tao's Gate of Death.

I will do my utmost to alleviate her burden.

We are grateful for Director Hu's well wishes. Don't worry about us — focus on your own duties.

Good luck, Hu Tao...

Good luck. I'll be waiting for you.

Hope everything goes smoothly. And don't leave me hanging this time!

Hurry! The Lantern Rite celebrations are about to begin! You don't want to miss Ms. Yun's opening show!

Slow down, Yanfei! Otherwise, you're going to fall!

There are so many people... I hope everything goes smoothly on Hu Tao's end, so she can get back here and celebrate with us soon.

Xinyan, over here! Hu Tao asked me to give you this fortune coin.

Wow, she got this for me? So... where did she go?

Lady Tianquan, the Gate of Initiation is now ready. We are good to go.

Thank you. It won't be long now...

Director Hu... Good luck to us both.

(She's not here... But these are her things...)

(The flaming staff lies quietly on the ground, as if aware that its owner has left the world.)

You're finally awake! How do you feel? Does anything hurt?

What happened...?

You've been asleep for two whole days! If Baizhu hadn't insisted that you were just out from exhaustion, Paimon would've been worried sick!

Still, it is a relief to see you finally wake up again. Guess Baizhu knew what he was talking about.

When did I get here?

The night of Lantern Rite, of course! Hu Tao carried you here on her back. Paimon was so worried to see you unconscious... Thankfully, Zhongli was there too, and he said you'd be fine.

That being said... Why did you sneak off without saying a word? Were you trying to beat Hu Tao's record for running away and getting stranded in the border?

It was an emergency.

Yeah, yeah, Paimon knows. Hu Tao told us the whole story. Sounds like you did something pretty amazing!

You've had a lot of visitors over the last couple of days. Zhongli, Ningguang, Lan Yan... and pretty much everyone else you could think of!

Are they still here?

Most of them have probably left by now, but Hu Tao's still waiting out in the main room. She's been there the whole time.

Anyway, you stay in bed and get some rest! Paimon will go get Baizhu to take a look at you.

One more time, guess whooo~?

Good! If you have the energy to joke around, it means you're making a good recovery!

I'm so glad! Looks like I can stop worrying now... Welcome back, my hero!

You are the real hero.

Hahaha, don't be silly. It's just the two of us here, you really want to talk in glib pleasantries? 'Cause I can out-glib you any day of the week if that's how you wanna do this.

Alright, um... So, how are you holding up?

I'm doing great, thanks to a certain someone! Baizhu gave me a checkup too.

You look remarkably well too, considering what you went through. But are you sure you're well enough to leave yet? You'll only make things worse if you power through before you've fully healed.

I'll be fine.

Well, I sure hope so... You know, I was really surprised you came to rescue me. You took such a huge risk... When did you become so reckless?

I learned from the best, Director Hu...

Hmph... Hey, look! Liyue Harbor looks so pretty from this angle... Let's see, what's everyone doing at this hour?

Hmm... Those two kids look like they're in a hurry... I bet they're racing each other to the fortune coins.

And that lady over there — her cheeks are so red, you'd think she's caught the sun... Aha, yes! She must be waiting for her lover so they can go set off some fireworks together!

Such a marvelous view. Really puts me in a poetic mood! Hee-hee, okay, I got something:

As fresh festivities fill the streets, while lanterns light the sky like countless times before...

I dwell not on the twists and turns of bygone years, but remember this: that with each new day, I receive the gift of life once more.

Thank you, 旅行者. Happy Lantern Rite.

See you shortly, 旅行者. We'll be waiting!

About the eight gates...

Oh? You want to learn more about the gates? Well, as you heard earlier, the gates are basically eight key nodes in Liyue's Ley Line network.

You must be wondering why the Ministry of Civil Affairs had to do so much work to find out the locations of the gates?

Well, the Qimen arts teach that the state of the Ley Lines is intricately linked to human activity. Each can affect the other.

In other words, the gates' locations are subject to change over time.

For instance, before our ancestors moved to Chenyu Vale, they lived near the Chasm. My grandpa says that back then, the gate there was the Gate of Life — yet all these years on, it's become the Gate of Injury.

So we had to map out the gates all over again to make sure we're deploying the array properly.

Don't forget to come back here after Director Hu is done with you. There's a favor I would like to ask of you.

About the people assigned to the eight gates...

Heh, you want to drop by and say hello to them? Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make it back in time.

The Gate of Life is at Yilong Wharf, and the Gate of Concealment at Mt. Aocang. They are being seen to by Keqing and Ganyu respectively.

The Gate of Fright can be found at Guyun Stone Forest, and the Gate of Injury is at The Chasm. Those are assigned to Beidou and Yelan.

As for the Gate of Terrain at Dihua Marsh, that's been taken by the Conqueror of Demons. These five are all on location already.