The Realm of Rocks

So, let me get this straight — the patient disappeared right as you were delivering the medicine?

I know it's hard to believe... but that's exactly what happened.

It's true! One minute she was there, and the next she was nowhere to be seen!

Hey, it's Yelan! Fancy seeing you here!

Oh, uh... Is this a bad time?

Not at all. Just a small roadblock in the case I'm working. Ningguang asked me to investigate a patient named Lu Xiangxiang.

If you're here to find her too, then you're out of luck, I'm afraid. She went missing this morning.

What!?

According to Dr. Baizhu, the patient vanished right under his nose, but it just seems like that should be impossible.

There one second, then gone the next? Pretty sure Xiao can do something like that...

Then, you're suggesting this Lu Xiangxiang is the Vigilant Yaksha in disguise? Or some other adeptus?

Um... Guess not. But this is so weird! How can a living person just vanish into thin air?

Unless... Lyney decided to take his act to Liyue?

Who is this Lyney you speak of?

Um, he's... Never mind. Paimon's just grasping at straws.

Let's set aside the "how" for now, and focus more on the "where."

You mentioned this patient has a strong obsession with achieving fame and recognition?

Yes, she kept talking about becoming a renowned archaeologist and making a name for herself.

So, are we looking for a place where it's super easy to become famous?

I'm drawing a blank.

I think we should check out the Xiao Lantern crafting stalls.

Uh... Because it's easy to become famous by making Xiao Lanterns?

Not exactly. When the people of Liyue need a solution to a problem, their first thought would be to pray to the gods and the adepti.

If her wish is to become famous, she might write it on a Xiao Lantern in the hopes that the fabled White Horse Adeptus might make it come true.

That certainly sounds probable.

Turns out, the White Horse Adeptus might be a lot closer to home than she thinks...

Shh...

Hm? What was that?

N—Nothing! Let's go check out those stalls!

Alright, we're here. Still no sign of Lu Xiangxiang though.

As long as you're patient enough, Paimon, you'll find that hunting down people is no different from hunting boars.

We need to blend into the environment, or we risk alerting the target. So, as far as everyone here is concerned, we're just ordinary tourists.

Oh... Okay! If we need to blend in, then let's make some Xiao Lanterns and write our wishes down, like everyone else!

What's your New Year's wish, Yelan?

I haven't given it much thought.

Now's the perfect time to think about it.

Oh, and it can't be work-related! You gotta take a break once in a while, right?

You're always staking out this suspect, tailing that criminal, hunting down this gang or that...

Which is super amazing and all, but it's gotta be exhausting!

Yeah, you should think about yourself every once in a while.

Really getting into this, huh?

You said to blend in, right? C'mon, it's all part of the act, so you gotta think of something!

Then I suppose... it'd be to go traveling, the next time I get the chance.

Traveling? Hahaha, that's our bread and butter! Wanna join us?

Heh, thanks for the offer, but my desk is piled high with reports on your exploits, and that's not quite the kind of "traveling" I had in mind.

I was thinking more... the lie down and do absolutely nothing kind of travel.

Ah, something a bit more... easy and breezy, right? Hey, wait! We know just the place — the Easybreeze Holiday Resort in Natlan!

It's super relaxing and full of fun activities. You've got the beautiful ocean and tons of cute little creatures called Asha! Seriously, you gotta go!

Huh, I suppose I'll have to check it out.

Hey, guys! Happy Lantern Rite!

Happy Lantern Rite, Gaming.

What a coincidence! You here to make Xiao Lanterns too?

Haha, well it's that time of year, am I right? Thought I'd join in on the fun. You can't have Lantern Rite without making one of these!

Whatcha gonna wish for?

Aw man, it's kind of embarrassing, but... whatever! The truth is, the Mighty Mythical Beasts are seriously struggling with recruitment...

So, I'm hoping to find a few apprentices and teach 'em the art of Wushou Dancing.

Awesome! Sifu Gaming here we come!

Whoa there, Paimon. One step at a time, haha. I actually need to find people first.

Yeah, but Paimon bets people will jump at the chance to learn from you!

Heh, well... I wouldn't be so sure. Wushou Dancing is super physical and takes a lot of hard work to master, so it's not easy to find people.

At this point, if the adepti can't help me, no one can! Haha...

I'll do it!

Huh?

You just said you wanted an apprentice, right? Well, I'm offering. What do you think?

Whoa, the White Horse Adeptus works faster than I thought...

Traveler, it's her — Lu Xiangxiang.

Our target!

Hey! Didn't you hear me? I said I wanted to be your apprentice!

Uh... No need to shout. I heard you the first time, haha. What's your name?

Step back a bit, Gaming. This person could be dangerous.

...What?

Hey! What... What are you trying to do? Do you know who I am? Get back!

Lu Xiangxiang, we have no intention of harming you. We just need to ask you a few questions.

Get back I said!

Try to remain calm.

If you come any closer, I'll... I'll...

...

(What the...?)

Little wisp of a being... How are you able to see me?

You must be Zizhi, the Second Deadly Self.

So what if I am? Leave at once!

I hope to resurrect the White Horse Adeptus, and I need your help.

You, a mere mortal — whose own life hangs by a thread — would dare reach for the power of life and death...

*coughing*

Is that so bad?

Unless you wish to be condemned to eternal damnation... You would do well to abandon this foolish endeavor.

I shall speak on this no further.

Don't come any closer! I... I...

How did I get here? Who are you people?

Playing dumb, are we? Save it. We know you attacked those people at Wanmin Restaurant.

What? No, I would never! You must be mistaking me for someone else!

You don't remember?

Of course not! How could I do such a thing?

What about the photo you took near Chiwang Terrace...

What photo?

What's going on? It's like she lost her memory or something...

Well, this complicates things.

I'll take her back for questioning and let you know what I find.

Take her away.

But, I didn't do anything! I swear!

That's weird... She seems so normal now, but she doesn't remember anything...

Oh, this is just great! An apprentice falls right into my lap, and now she's gone!

Don't worry, Gaming! This is a special case. Paimon's sure you'll find one soon!

Unless you're gonna pony up and offer a real solution, Paimon, I don't wanna hear it!

Gaming, what's up with—

I'm done here! I'm gonna go find an apprentice, and I won't take no for an answer!

Gaming! Wait!

Is it just Paimon, or was Gaming acting super weird just now?

He might have been possessed.

What!? How do you know?

Whoa, so you saw the Second Deadly Self... And you think she moved from Lu Xiangxiang to Gaming!?

It's possible.

Uh oh, then we better find him before something bad happens! Let's go!

Alas, why must Cloud Retainer inflict such woe upon us, Moon Carver?

Hmph... By the order of Rex Lapis, we were supposed to make haste to the Harbor to stand watch. Yet, we arrived late — for you, in your inscrutable wisdom, chose that very moment to tend the mint.

It is no wonder Cloud Retainer banished us to the wilderness in anger. A pity only that I — blameless as I am — was made to share in the punishment.

Hmph, blameless indeed! You speak as if it was not you who decided to plant all that mint in the first place!

Yet now, in its wretched state — overrun by blight and vermin — you would turn away? Utterly heartless, I say!

Hah, were I truly that heartless, would I have rescued those seedlings from this desolate wasteland, granting them haven in your hallowed garden?

Alas, if blame must be laid, let it fall upon Cloud Retainer for failing to recognize the virtue of our plight!

Ah... At last, a sentiment with which I can agree.

If ever Cloud Retainer is away, we should steal into her abode and plant a veritable field of mint. A tempting little ruse, is it not?

Hahaha... Positively ingenious!

Please stop chasing us! Just let us go!

Get back here! If you keep running, I'll kill you!

Please! We don't know anything about Wushou Dancing! Just leave us alone!

What, you think I'm not good enough to teach you? Just agree to be my apprentices and then we can talk!

Hm? That child... looks somewhat familiar.

Ah, it appears to be the Wushou Dancer from Liyue Harbor. I have seen him perform on occasion.

Come, let us take a closer look.

Has trouble befallen you, young one? Perhaps we can offer aid.

Oh, thank the gods... Please, sir, you have to help us! This guy's trying to force us to become his Wushou Dancing apprentices, and he won't take no for an answer!

Oh? So, it is you who require aid, not the other way around...

Get out of the way, old men! This is between us!

Preposterous! You dare to presume we are of a... mature age?

Listen here, brazen youth. Skilled you may be in the art of dance, yet your off-stage demeanor leaves much to be desired!

Hold on, Mountain Shaper... Something is amiss. Look closer.

Huh...

Indeed, he bears the mark of something... unclean!

It spells trouble. You there, depart at once.

Hey! You drove off my recruits, old man!

Hmph, you'll just have to take their place, even if you're a bit on the decrepit side.

Hahahaha, many years it has been since a being has dared speak to us in such a manner.

Now, let us see what evildoer has sought to use you as its puppet, young one.

Y—You two! You're adepti!

Does that strike fear in your soul?

Whoa, two adepti recruits just fall right into my lap? That white horse sure knows how to grant a wish!

Gaming! Slow down! Wait for us!

Geez, take a hint, will you? I told you to stop following me.

Don't hurt him, please!

Traveler? Paimon? Keep your distance from this youth. Evil has taken a hold of him.

We know! It's one of the White Horse Adeptus's Deadly Selves! She's possessing Gaming!

The White Horse Adeptus's Deadly Selves?

...Could it be that Rex Lapis called us to Liyue Harbor for this very reason?

Hey! What are you two whispering about over there? Who's gonna be First Apprentice and who's gonna be Second?

It doesn't matter! I'm not the kind of Sifu who plays favorites!

Insolent spirit! Begone from this child at once!

Hmph!

Little mite of a mortal! Getting in my way again, I see...

*coughing*

You don't look so good.

That is no concern of yours.

You want to fulfill people's wishes? I can help.

No...

Only by doing it myself... will I find peace...

Otherwise... rage will consume me... If I lose control, all will turn to dust...

What is the source of your anger?

The curse of time... The memories this body holds...

Come no closer!

This is your final warning...

Insolent spirit! Begone from this child at once!

(Not again...)

Huh? Traveler and Paimon? A—And two adepti!?

Uh... Where are we? Weren't we just making Xiao Lanterns in the Harbor?

Gaming! You're back!

Ah... The sun is most scorching. Agitation stirs within me... I require cooling mint to beat this heat.

And speaking of, Cloud Retainer has scorned this verdant wonder long enough! It is time for her to feel its wrath!

The wrath of mint! Mwahahaha!

Mountain Shaper? Where are you going?

Oh no, now Mountain Shaper's acting weird... You don't think it spread to him, do you?

Spread to him? Quickly now, explain to me what has been happening.

What? Was I really that rude!? Geez, someone get my dad to throw a slipper at me... I just... I'm so...

Whoa! You okay, Gaming?

He is fine. It is simply exhaustion.

But, to think Mountain Shaper would succumb to something like this... It is most unexpected.

So, what do we do? We can't just leave Gaming like this, but we can't ignore Mountain Shaper either, right?

My cultivation level rivals that of Mountain Shaper. Were I to give chase, Zizhi would but flee from his form and take refuge in mine...

Seek out Streetward Rambler. Cloud Retainer and the Conqueror of Demons should be with her. I shall take this child back to the Harbor and join you posthaste.

Whoa, what are all the adepti doing together?

Rex Lapis charged us with keeping watch over Liyue Harbor should danger rear its head. I daresay this is the very crisis he anticipated.

Come, we must devise a strategy before confronting Zizhi.

The White Horse Adeptus? You mean, the mysterious white mare that aided Rex Lapis during the Archon War?

Even if it's not her, there must be some connection. She always avoided us back then, and I never knew why.

Rex Lapis' recent trip seems to be related to this person as well.

Xianyun! Madame Ping! Xiao! Great, you're all here!

Ah, Traveler. It has been quite some time.

Yeah! Great to see you again, Xiao.

Happy Lantern Rite, Paimon! You're as lively as I remember. I trust things have been well?

Sorry Madame Ping, no time to catch up — something terrible has happened!

What is it? Has Mountain Shaper gotten himself into trouble? Moon Carver is here with you, but he is not...

Ahem...

Um...

"The wrath of mint"? Hmph, that old fool dares to utter such nonsense behind one's back?

Uh... Yeah, that's not really our biggest concern here!

So, even a mere Deadly Self of the White Horse Adeptus was able to possess Mountain Shaper and affect his mind? No wonder Rex Lapis told us to gather here and await his orders...

Mountain Shaper's cultivation is inadequate. He was caught unprepared. Were it one of us, Zizhi would hardly have found a vessel quite so... ready for the taking.

Hey, that's not what you said earlier!

Where is Mountain Shaper now?

Hmph, a question that hardly bears pondering. Obviously, he intends to plant mint in the vicinity of one's abode.

Ah, then he poses no great threat... We might as well let him be. Once he fulfills his wish, it's possible that Zizhi will relinquish him of her own volition.

Your ulterior motive is most obvious, Mountain Shaper. You, too, hope for Mt. Aocang to be covered in mint — one can see it clear as day.

Not to mention, Deadly Selves are born of malevolent human desires, and naturally, pose a great risk to the form and mind of all living beings. We cannot let this go unchecked.

Let me handle it. I have relevant experience and know how to deal with such situations.

One has no doubt of that, yet your involvement would likely end in armed confrontation. In one's own estimation, the time for such measures has not yet come.

Before his departure, Rex Lapis knew that Zizhi was active in Liyue Harbor, yet told us only to wait.

It would seem, then, that Rex Lapis did not believe extreme measures were warranted here.

Yes, this is quite a peculiar case. After all, Zizhi's possession does not seem to come with ill-intent. It's more like... she's guiding those she possesses to fulfill their own wishes.

Hm, there is another matter of import, however...

I sensed tremendous resentment emanating from her... What could be its source, to render her so unable to find peace?

"The curse of time... The memories this body holds..."

She was talking about the White Horse Adeptus' memories, right? From what Traveler said, it seemed like she was about to explode with rage, but... why?

With Rex Lapis away, if we wish to understand that which occurred in the past, we shall have to ask her directly.

She also mentioned "the curse of time"... What could that be about?

Perhaps... erosion.

Hm, indeed. We are of the same mind.

Hmm... I heard that ancient clans in the mountains once regarded the White Horse Adeptus as the daughter of Time... It seems there was some truth to that, after all.

The daughter of Time... cursed by Time?

Time does not treat everyone equally. The longer you dwell in this world, the more it takes from you...

Then, what do we do?

One has devised a solution.

What is it?

Based on what you have told us, it seems that Zizhi is in the habit of leaping to a different host when provoked.

One's plan is for us to block all escape routes while you confront Mountain Shaper, forcing Zizhi to reveal herself.

Then, if prior experience stands, she will have no choice but to possess you. However, not only are you able to sense it, you are also unaffected by the peculiar state of stasis.

In other words, in that moment, you would have the chance to either subdue or persuade her.

That is akin to walking straight into the lion's den. Allow me to go instead.

Yeah, isn't this plan a bit too risky?

Why doesn't Paimon try first? After all, even if she got possessed, it's not like she would pose a danger to anyone.

Yeah, but you might eat so much you become a literal ball.

Paimon's wishes aren't all food-related, y'know!

One would not suggest this course of action if one had any such reservation.

Time and again, Traveler has proved immune to Zizhi's influence. Consider, for a moment, why that might be.

Because... I bear the moonlight's guidance?

Oh, yeah! That's what the First Deadly Self told you, right?

Perhaps your time in Nod-Krai left you with the blessing of the newborn Moon Goddess, Traveler.

And this White Horse Adeptus clearly has a profound connection to the moon.

Indeed... Indeed!

I see...

Have you other concerns, Conqueror of Demons?

I was just trying to fathom why Rex Lapis left without explaining the situation in detail. But now, I think I understand.

Rex Lapis entrusted this matter to Traveler, which means in his estimation, Traveler must be the key to its resolution.

So, I have no other concern. I trust Rex Lapis, and I trust you.

Leave it to me.

Then, we are all in agreement on proceeding with this plan?

Very well. We should depart at once, lest we lose our chance.

Let us see whether that old fool truly dares deface one's abode with mint!

One mint, two mint, let us plant a whole slew of mint...

Once I reach ten thousand, Cloud Retainer's abode shall be Mt. Aocang no more, but rather... Mt. Mint-cang!

Oh, to behold the look on her face when she is confronted with such verdant splendor! Mwahahaha!

Mountain Shaper... You dare disturb the tranquility of one's abode!

Ahem... Do not take personal offense, Cloud Retainer. He is not in control of his faculties.

Exactly. Let it go this once. Zizhi is the one driving him to do this.

Huh? But Zizhi just helps people fulfill their own wishes and desires...

Not now, Paimon.

Oops! Sorry, Mountain Shaper. Paimon might've just thrown you under the bus!

Hmph, when he wakes up, we shall have words.

Everyone, to your positions!

Be careful.

I've got this.

Huh? A pest? I must catch it!

Again!

Hm? Oh, young one. It is you.

Don't tell me... Cloud Retainer sent you?

Yes, she told me to get rid of the mint.

Hah! Such brazen insolence!

And... that includes your garden on Mt. Hulao.

Argh! Such presumption! Such boundless avarice! That wretched adept's impudence knows no end!

If she dares lay a finger on my garden, I shall smash her Cuisine Machine to pieces!

You sure about that?

You think I am one to fold so easily? I... I...

Uh...

...Insolent mortal!

Time and again, you interfere in that which is beyond you...

You make it exceedingly difficult to contain my rage...

We need your help.

You have no conception of that which you seek! It is forbidden!

Forbidden?

You know nothing of my past. My warning was given — the cost entwined with this is beyond what you can bear.

I'm here because I want to know. I want to understand.

Stubborn mortal!

You could even say... it's my wish.

You...! Ugh!

Will you grant it?

Very well... If death is what you seek, who am I not to oblige...

Come, let us see the extent of your resolve...

Your wish is to behold the curse of time and the memories of this form... Then, let it be granted.

You who seek death, stand before me.

What is this place?

My prison.

You're trapped here?

I was merely a trace of impure energy within Zibai's immortal body. When her soul was shattered, it should have been the end of me.

But then, the one who governs Time descended from on high and froze the moment of her death.

And so I remain in this world, unable to find release.

Was it... Istaroth?

A mortal who knows of her existence and would dare to speak her name? Who are you?

Help... Heh, no. There is nothing we can do for each other.

Her power, the one who governs Time... It has surrounded me ever since — a blessing and a prison, all at once.

So, you've been trying to break free?

No... I have been asleep in this prison for countless years, until a familiar presence woke me...

Then through that mortal girl's eyes, I saw it, as pure and bright as ever, unchanged across the millennia... It was the moon.

No wonder she took that picture at Chiwang Terrace...

That place is called Chiwang Terrace? Did later generations rebuild the altar in a new location...? It looks just like the one used to honor Zibai.

Could it be that traces of what happened back then still remain in this world...?

What is it that happened?

That memory... is embedded deep within the essence of Zibai's soul. It is one that should have been forgotten.

Yet, it is precisely that which haunts my every waking moment, fuels my rage, and denies me a modicum of peace...

Now you, a mere mortal, come to seek that which is forbidden. So, let us see whether the fire that fuels your ambition is a hero's wisdom... or a fool's courage.

What do I need to do?

I shall relinquish control over this body's curse and let it devour everything within sight.

Run as fast as you can, lest this prison become your grave.

Look, it draws near. The river of time, come to sweep all into oblivion... a torrent of tears for the dead and departed.

This... must be the curse of Time.

I shall wait for you at the end, mortal. Evade being swept up in its waters, and I will show you everything.

Fail, and we shall sink into oblivion together.

Ha, I did not expect that you would make it to the end.

Well, I did it.

Yes, it would seem even time cannot hold you back. In that case, perhaps this truth is one you can bear.

Come, let your wish be granted.

Now, you know the truth. These are the memories that suffocate me where I stand, and crush me under their weight.

Your nation was destroyed...

Not just my nation, but the people I loved.

Were it within my power, I would ignite a blaze fierce enough to burn a hole through the heavens themselves!

But, how did it all happen...?

It was a time of war, one that ravaged heaven and earth. Remnants of the battles, tainted with cursed power, fell from on high and devastated Lang-Gan.

The heavens decreed that the tainted filth had to be cleansed... no matter the cost.

If I just had more time... I could have helped more people to escape...

You did give them time.

But, it wasn't enough! I just needed a bit more, and they all could have survived!

You did more than enough.

The descendants of Lang-Gan made their home all throughout Liyue.

Their legacy lives on because of you.

I never imagined there would come a day where I found peace.

So long this rage has been within me, yet here in this moment, it has stilled at last. Thank you...

If you wish to bring Zibai back to life, mortal, then you may take the part of her soul that lives in me.

Just remember — from this moment onward, the fate of Lang-Gan's fallen rests on your shoulders, and that cannot now be changed.

What will become of you?

As I said before, I am but a remnant of Zibai's adeptal form — a manifestation of her wrath that was not meant to linger in this world...

By taking away this fragment of her soul, you take away my shackles as well. So, let it be done.

Any final wishes, then?

Ah, it's your turn to grant one of my wishes, is it? Very well. In regard to my fate, and that of Lang-Gan's fallen... I know there is little I can demand of you.

However, should another raise a war banner against the heavens someday, let my name be set upon its cloth.

I ask for this, and nothing more.

Now, take what you came for.

I was a lone moon, shrouded and dimmed in cloud-veiled night.

Now darkness breaks, free and unburdened, I reclaim my light.

You think I am one to fold so easily? I... I...

(I'm back...)

Ah, young one. What brings you here?

My... what exquisite mint seedlings! Was it you who planted them? I had not taken you for one so versed in the horticultural arts! I must insist that you visit Mt. Hulao. There is much we could learn from one another.

Ah, but this is Cloud Retainer's abode. She does not appreciate the verdant wonder that is mint.

We should leave at once... If she sees us here, there is little I can do to protect you.

I wasn't the one who planted them.

You weren't? Was it Moon Carver, then? My, what nerve he has.

It was you.

What!?

Looks like Mountain Shaper is back to normal. Has the matter with Zizhi been resolved, then?

Wow, that was fast! That took, what like... a second?

A second to us, perhaps. But, for Traveler... I imagine it felt much longer than that.

Zizhi is gone now.

One's plan was most successful, then.

And you're alright, Traveler? You don't feel strange in any way?

No, I'm fine, thanks.

Well, sounds like good news all around. I'm glad this matter is resolved.

What is this matter you speak of? The possession of that mortal child?

Hmph, the matter of Zizhi may have been resolved... But there is another that is far from over — the mint you planted around my abode.

Perhaps you have a moment to spare for a little chat, Mountain Shaper?

...!

You seem reluctant to talk in detail about what happened with Zizhi.

She told me about her past...

Don't worry. I won't ask you to reveal her secrets to me. And I doubt the other adepti will either.

Huh? You don't wanna know what happened?

The expression on your face... I know it well, Traveler. It's one I've seen Rex Lapis wear on many occasions. Whatever you learned, it must be too heavy to share.

But you're okay, right, Traveler? That Deadly Self didn't hurt you, did she?

No, nothing like that. I'm fine.

Well, as long as you're not hurt, Paimon doesn't need to know anything else!

It just... isn't a happy story.

Even so, I hope you feel like you can entrust me with it.

If I learned anything from our time together, it's that one should not have to shoulder such a weight alone.

Not to mention that certain knowledge brings danger in its wake... I would never want you to feel forced to be the sole keeper of such secrets.

Yeah! Kinda like how one person can't finish a whole slime, y'know? Better to grab a bunch of friends and eat it all together!

Time to call in some fellow slime connoisseurs, huh?

Exactl— Wait, no! Paimon's just saying, we've got loads of friends who'd be more than willing to lend an ear!

Alright, then.

...I never knew there was such a tragic chapter in the ancient past of this land...

So, the people of that nation worshiped the White Horse Adeptus as the God of Soil and Grain.

It would seem, then, that Rex Lapis had a similar reason for withholding the details of his recent trip.

I've often wondered if he had companions to stand by him before we met... or if he was forced to face things alone.

Regardless, Lantern Rite takes place in two days. Let's meet back up again there.

If there's no news of Rex Lapis by then, we'll have to come up with a plan.

Alright, see you in two days.

Fingers crossed it all goes well!