Evening
The earlier suppression operation had caused what was already a dusky sky to darken rapidly. Fortunately, there were plenty of light sources lining the path, so there was little cause for concern.
"I see. Let's leave, then. It looks like we're no longer needed here."
Upon hearing that the Conqueror of Demons had gone to find the purple-skinned, burly adeptus, Yanfei put the matter out of her mind. Adepti had their own affairs to attend to—none of her business.
"Alright, let's head back. But before that, you're coming with me to pick some Qingxin flowers." Bonanus's gentle voice contrasted strangely with the blood stains on her clothes.
"Sure. I vaguely remember a few spots where Qingxin grows exceptionally well. I'll lead the way."
Yanfei nodded slowly, paying no mind to the bloodstains. It was battle, after all—getting a bit of blood on you was normal.
She'd often encountered such situations during past commissions. Returning home would always frighten some children, and washing the clothes was always a hassle.
With that, the two left the Millelith encampment. What Squad Leader Yan Ning would face afterward was none of their concern.
Qingxin flowers typically grew at the highest elevations, making them extremely difficult to harvest. Ordinary people needed to climb steep mountains, sometimes requiring climbing tools.
But Bonanus didn't find this particularly challenging. She could fly—not with a wind glider, but straight up under her own power.
For someone capable of flight, gathering Qingxin was effortless.
Under Yanfei's guidance, Bonanus arrived at the foot of a mountain that seemed to radiate an air of adeptal energy. The flora here flourished, more vibrant than elsewhere.
Though evening had fallen, beauty wasn't hidden by darkness—it always managed to catch one's eye.
This place seemed perfect for a scenic spot, yet few dared venture here—aside from certain bothersome Treasure Hoarders.
Bonanus guessed this was what people called "adeptal grounds"—sacred territory for mortals.
This seemed to belong to a few of the adepti. But those adepti were awfully lazy—Treasure Hoarders came digging every day, maybe even daring to steal from their homes, and they did nothing about it!
"Little Yanfei, do people often come here?" Bonanus asked, shaking her head.
"They do, but not many. Aside from some martial sect disciples, poets, swordsmen, and adventurers who come here, some foolhardy Treasure Hoarders also show up."
"Herbalists sometimes come to gather medicine too. If you came here often, you'd probably recognize Qiqi from Bubu Pharmacy."
As she spoke, Yanfei carefully scanned their surroundings, searching for a good spot to climb. Picking Qingxin was physically demanding.
"I see. And the Treasure Hoarders... don't the Millelith do anything about them?"
Bonanus rubbed her chin thoughtfully. In her previous life's game, she'd frequently encountered Treasure Hoarders on the road—either digging for treasure or robbing passersby.
They never rested. She'd heard there were alchemists among them, though that was just a title. These so-called alchemists couldn't even pass the basic certification exams.
They only knew a few shoddy tricks.
"Of course they do. The Millelith have launched many crackdowns. But the Treasure Hoarders are crafty—they never manage to wipe them out completely."
Yanfei shook her head helplessly. She'd heard there were clever leaders among the Treasure Hoarders too. Such a waste of talent, using their wits for petty crimes.
But these people were used to their ways. Steering them toward honest work was unlikely.
There were exceptions, though. Yanfei remembered some bandits and Treasure Hoarders who'd reformed—some became chefs, others worked as cart drivers.
Turning over a new leaf was always good. Earning an honest living had more value than stealing, and the money spent felt better too.
"That is troublesome. Their presence threatens the safety of certain roads."
Bonanus shook her head slightly. In her previous life's game, she'd often encounter merchants surrounded by Treasure Hoarders or Hilichurls.
It was just a game then. In this real world... she couldn't imagine what fate awaited merchants caught by these dangerous people.
Probably torture and death, after being robbed of everything.
"We needn't worry too much. The Millelith patrol and guard the important routes. Liyue's transportation routes are crucial."
After explaining, Yanfei narrowed her eyes and scanned their surroundings again, still searching for a path up.
It had been a long time since she'd last come here—few people commissioned her for tasks in this area. Naturally, it felt somewhat unfamiliar.
The trees and grass had grown wild, completely transformed. It was genuinely difficult to find the old path.
"That suppression operation made it this dark. Finding our way up now is quite troublesome."
Yanfei complained softly. Though there was some lighting along the main path, it didn't reach this area.
"Were you looking for a way up?"
Bonanus scratched the back of her head. She'd noticed Yanfei looking around intently and thought she might be lost.
If she needed to go up the mountain, why not just say so? They could just fly!
"Yes. I can't fly, so this is the only way."
Yanfei shook her head helplessly. She was only a half-adeptus. At most, she could use her Vision's elemental powers. Flight was completely beyond her.
She had heard that the Qixing's Yuheng could traverse mountains with ease. She was somewhat familiar with Keqing—the Yuheng had once sought her counsel, hoping she'd assist her.
To improve efficiency when crossing mountains, Keqing had developed her own technique.
Quite ingenious, really.
"And here I thought little Yanfei was going to lead me somewhere! No need for all that trouble—I can fly!" Bonanus covered her mouth and laughed.
With that, Bonanus grabbed the back of Yanfei's collar. Before she could react, she lifted her into the air.
Suddenly airborne, Yanfei was momentarily stunned. Then, as if remembering something, she found herself amusing.
She'd forgotten—Bonanus was a great adeptus! For a great adeptus, flying was perfectly normal. She'd overcomplicated things.
"We're getting higher..." Yanfei shivered as the wind whipped around her.
"Is little Yanfei scared?" Bonanus gave her a little shake, hoping to elicit a reaction.
"Sister Bonanus, don't tease me. I trust you wouldn't drop me." Yanfei said confidently. This senior certainly enjoyed her jokes.
Seeing she hadn't frightened her, Bonanus pouted. This girl has courage! Flying so high, with no fear of heights!
With her little prank failed, Bonanus resigned herself to gathering Qingxin. It was late, she was tired, and she wanted to rest.
"Sister Bonanus! Over there! Those Qingxin look better!" After reaching sufficient height, Yanfei pointed to a nearby mountain peak.
Bonanus didn't hesitate, flying straight toward it. Since they'd come all this way, they might as well gather the highest quality Qingxin—several times better than anything from the pharmacies!