"You guys keep chatting. I'll go make a reservation at Xinyue Pavilion first."
After saying that, Qiu Nian turned and walked away.
During the time he was gone, Lumine and Paimon first asked Zhongli about the situation in Inazuma. Then they told him about the Millelith's official announcement claiming that Rex Lapis had died after failing a tribulation.
It left Zhongli both amused and helpless.
As for why the Qixing had been so eager to close the case—
It was because they had secretly learned that Rex Lapis wasn't actually dead.
Not only the Qixing, but several adepti had also been informed indirectly.
As for how Zhongli told them…
He used a convenient adeptal art called dream visitation.
"It seems you've finished chatting."
"I've already reserved the banquet. Xinyue Pavilion isn't very busy today, so we can head over right now."
Qiu Nian returned and nodded to them.
"Wow!"
"Then let's hurry! Paimon hasn't even had breakfast yet!"
Paimon bounced excitedly.
"And after this meal we won't even need lunch."
"That saves another meal's worth of Mora."
Lumine said thoughtfully.
"Let's go, old friend."
Zhongli said to Qiu Nian.
Qiu Nian nodded.
The four of them then headed toward Xinyue Pavilion.
Along the streets, leaves from the Cuihua trees drifted gently down.
Vendors called out to passing customers.
Pedestrians were still discussing the Send-Off Rite that had just ended.
The air was fresh, carrying with it the aromas drifting from nearby food stalls.
"The weather is really nice today."
Paimon looked up at the blue sky and took a deep breath.
Lumine smiled as she watched the bustling streets.
Before long, the four of them arrived at the entrance of Xinyue Pavilion.
"It's an honor to see you again, Mr. Qiu Nian. Welcome, honored guests."
The attendant greeted them politely.
After entering the private room, they all took their seats, and dishes were soon brought out one after another.
"Wow…"
"This is the same kind of banquet Childe had!"
Paimon stared at the familiar dishes on the table, already drooling.
"You really put a lot of thought into this, Qiu Nian."
"Paimon can finally taste all these dishes now!"
Paimon beamed.
"Haha…"
"As long as little Paimon enjoys it."
Qiu Nian chuckled and nodded.
"Then we won't hold back."
Lumine said before picking up a slice of meat.
"Would you like a drink?"
Zhongli asked Qiu Nian.
Qiu Nian smiled, called the waiter over, and ordered the two best bottles of wine in the restaurant.
The group chatted while eating.
Time passed quietly.
Before they knew it, noon had arrived.
After eating their fill, the four of them stepped out of Xinyue Pavilion.
"Whew… I'm so full…"
"I don't think I'll need dinner tonight."
Paimon patted her stomach.
She felt like she could barely float anymore.
"That's what happens when you eat that much. No one was competing with you."
Lumine said helplessly.
"Well…"
"That's because the food at Xinyue Pavilion is just too delicious."
"And places this expensive aren't somewhere we can come anytime we want."
"Of course I had to eat more."
Paimon spread her hands.
"Did you enjoy the meal?"
Qiu Nian asked.
"Yes!"
"Thank you for the feast!"
Paimon said happily.
"Thank you, Qiu Nian."
Lumine placed a hand over her chest and thanked him sincerely.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Qiu Nian smiled.
"In that case, my old friend and I will return to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"We still haven't fulfilled our duties as consultants today."
Zhongli said.
"Then we'll say goodbye here."
"May the rest of your journey today be filled with good fortune."
"For example… perhaps you should go open some treasure chests."
Qiu Nian said to Lumine and Paimon, sounding completely serious.
"Really?"
Lumine looked doubtful.
"Haha…"
"Of course it's true."
Qiu Nian nodded with a smile.
"Then we'll be going."
Zhongli said before walking off with Qiu Nian toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Bye-bye, Qiu Nian! Zhongli!"
Paimon waved enthusiastically.
At that moment—
On Xuehua's screen, the message appeared:
Archon Quest Complete
A New Star Approaches — Chapter I, Act III
"So it's over…"
Xuehua sighed, still feeling unsatisfied.
"Wait…"
"Didn't Qiu Nian just say we'd be lucky for the rest of the day?"
Suddenly remembering something, she immediately clicked on the Character Wish page.
The gacha system.
There were two limited character banners, plus the standard banner and the weapon banner.
The current limited banners were Zhongli and Childe, with their signature weapons in the weapon banner.
Xuehua opened Zhongli's banner.
Her eyes widened instantly.
Under the banner title "Gentry of Hermitage," there was an additional line:
Under the Blessing of Guixu
Five-Star Rate Increased to 10%
Spend 5 Intertwined Fates for a 10-Wish
Guaranteed 4★ or above
Blessing Remaining: 23:58
"Wait… what… I…"
Xuehua stared in shock, completely speechless.
Her hand trembled as she moved the mouse and opened Childe's banner.
Exactly the same.
Blessing of Guixu.
Then the weapon banner—
Also the same.
Even the standard banner—
Still the same.
Every banner had the blessing.
And every banner showed 10 wishes for the cost of only 5 pulls.
Xuehua sat there, completely stunned.
She slowly raised her hand and slapped her own cheek.
The livestream chat exploded.
[? ×114514]
The screen was instantly filled with question marks and shocked reactions.
[Am I seeing things? Someone pinch me!]
[Am I dreaming??]
[Bro WHAT?!]
[Five pulls for a ten-pull and 10% five-star rate?!]
[This has to be a dream!]
[I'm logging in right now to finish the story quest!]
[Qiu Nian I LOVE YOU!!!]
[Qiu Nian, you are my god!!!]
[I have drifted half my life without a lord. If you accept me, I will call you my sworn father!]
[Why sworn father? Just call him Dad!]
[DAD!!!]
[DAD ×184306]
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