Seeing how harmonious his three disciples were, Jiang Yan smiled and nodded.
"Oh right, Ningguang. In a bit, take Beidou and Shenhe out to stroll around Liyue Harbor."
"Help Shenhe buy some daily necessities."
Jiang Yan said to Ningguang.
"Okay, Master!"
Ningguang nodded seriously.
Soon, under Jiang Yan's watchful gaze, the three little girls ran out the door together, happily taking Shenhe to explore the city.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yan returned to his seat and began handling official affairs again.
He wasn't worried about the three girls running into trouble in Liyue Harbor.
After all, he himself was in Liyue—if anything happened, he could appear instantly.
And besides…
Did you notice the green snake bracelet on Ningguang's wrist?
That's right.
Jiang Yan had asked Apep to accompany Ningguang and protect her safety.
He had even granted it permission to transform into its true form—the Dendro Dragon—whenever necessary.
With Apep around, the three girls could go anywhere safely.
After all, Apep was one of the Seven Sovereign Dragons. Other than Jiang Yan and the Heavenly Principles, there was practically no one who could defeat it.
"Jiang Yan!"
Just then, a voice carried by the wind called out to him.
The moment Jiang Yan heard it, his head started aching.
Who else could contact him like this besides that drunken bard from Mondstadt?
"What is it?"
Jiang Yan spoke calmly, knowing Barbatos could hear him.
"Ehe… well, I wanted to tell you something."
Barbatos's voice carried a hint of guilt.
Jiang Yan: ?
Something was definitely wrong.
Whenever Barbatos used that tone, it meant he had done something troublesome.
"Hey, you didn't do something stupid again, did you?"
Jiang Yan said helplessly.
"Ehe? Of course not."
"So that's what you think of me? Ahh, how heartbreaking~"
Barbatos chuckled mischievously.
Jiang Yan: "..."
Yeah.
He definitely did something.
That guy had been getting more and more unreliable lately.
"Well… I just wanted to tell you something."
"If nothing unexpected happens, Alice should already be heading from Dragonspine toward Liyue."
Barbatos said casually, seemingly taking another sip of wine.
The wind carried a faint smell of alcohol.
Jiang Yan frowned.
Not because Barbatos was drinking.
But because of what he had just said.
Alice was coming to Liyue.
Speaking of Alice…
Yes, Klee's mother.
Klee hadn't been born yet, and Alice at this time was simply a wildly adventurous woman.
Not long ago, she had blown up Stormterror's Lair.
That was why the place was now officially renamed Stormterror Ruins.
And now—
Barbatos was telling him that this witch was heading to Liyue?
After a long silence, Jiang Yan sighed.
Fine.
He'd go to Dragonspine and escort her personally.
Because if Alice wandered around Liyue unchecked, who knew what disasters might happen?
One wrong explosion and Jueyun Karst might turn into Jueyun Hills, while Guili Plains could become Guili Basin.
Sigh… life is hard.
Jiang Yan stood up and spoke to the air:
"Thanks for the warning."
"When you come by later, grab two bottles of good wine from the Liyue Winery. Consider it my thanks."
"Ehe! Then I won't refuse!"
Barbatos laughed happily as a gentle breeze passed by.
Jiang Yan glanced toward Dragonspine, then walked downstairs.
"Ganyu."
Jiang Yan arrived on the second floor and found Ganyu busy working.
"What's wrong?"
She looked up curiously.
"I need to step out for something."
"When Ningguang, Beidou, and Shenhe return later, could you keep an eye on them for me?"
Ganyu nodded.
"Alright. Go ahead."
"Be careful on the road."
"Mm."
Jiang Yan nodded and left.
Stepping outside Yuehai Pavilion, a deep portal appeared before him and swallowed him instantly.
Dragonspine
A portal opened high in the sky.
Jiang Yan stepped out midair.
The icy winds of the mountain roared fiercely, whipping his robes violently.
Yet Jiang Yan looked completely unaffected as he gazed down at the snowy landscape.
The reason he paused here was simple.
He couldn't find Alice.
Just then—
A monster's roar echoed.
Followed by a violent explosion from the side of the mountain.
"Hm?"
Jiang Yan turned his gaze.
On the other side of Dragonspine stood a woman wearing a wide witch's hat and a bright red dress.
Her pointed ears and beautiful features gave her a striking appearance.
At that moment, she seemed to notice someone watching her.
She turned her head and saw Jiang Yan floating in the air.
"Oh my, hello there, handsome."
"Judging by your appearance… you must be the famous Immortal Lord of Liyue, right?"
Jiang Yan nodded calmly.
"Yes."
"You must be Miss Alice, the one the Anemo Archon mentioned."
"Oh my, to receive such attention from the Anemo Archon—what an honor for a humble lady like me."
Alice laughed lightly.
Looking at her, one could clearly see traces of Klee and Lisa.
She had both innocence and charm—her gestures overflowing with mature allure.
"So, Immortal Lord…"
"What brings you here today?"
Alice asked with a smile.
Jiang Yan smiled back.
"Well, since Miss Alice is visiting Liyue, as Liyue's Immortal Lord, it's only proper that I come to welcome you."
"Oh? I'm truly flattered."
Alice giggled.
"But before we head to Liyue, I still have a bit of trouble to deal with…"
She turned her head toward the depths of Dragonspine.
Behind the monster she had just blown up, three or four massive Cryo Lawachurls emerged with heavy footsteps.
"Looks like I might've blown things up a bit too enthusiastically…"
Flames began gathering around Alice.
But just then—
Jiang Yan descended beside her.
His calm voice sounded near her ear.
"Miss Alice."
"Please step back for a moment." ❄️🔥
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