"The Lantern Rite is about to begin…"
"The view here is quite good. Stay and watch it with me."
Qiu Nian stood with his hands behind his back. After speaking, he turned to look toward Liyue Harbor.
At the same time, on Xuehua's stream, a beautiful piece of instrumental music began to play—rich with the atmosphere of the New Year.
The moon hung high in the sky.
In the harbor below, the statue of Mountain Shaper suddenly began to move.
Soft light spread across its body.
Its glowing tail swayed gently in the night.
Then—
The statue stepped forward.
It began to run across the sky.
With a powerful leap, it soared upward, racing across the skies above the entire harbor.
Wherever the statue passed, countless Xiao Lanterns ignited.
They floated upward from the city and drifted toward the sea.
The scene was breathtaking.
Xiao watched in silence, stunned for a moment.
Then he took a few steps forward and quietly sat beside Qiu Nian.
"Mm…"
Seeing this, Qiu Nian smiled faintly.
A breeze swept past them, stirring their hair and robes.
More and more lanterns rose into the night sky.
The statue of Mountain Shaper climbed higher and higher.
Finally—
It burst into a magnificent explosion of fireworks.
The moment the fireworks bloomed, countless more rockets shot into the heavens.
They unfolded in the night sky, blossoming into brilliant colors.
Watching this spectacle, Xiao's lips curved into a faint smile.
Meanwhile, Xuehua sat frozen in front of her screen.
Her nose tingled.
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
For some reason, she felt deeply moved.
At that moment, a message appeared on her screen:
Lantern Rite, Part III — "A Mingxiao Lantern Over the Seas"
Quest Complete
When Xuehua saw the words Quest Complete, she looked up.
For a moment, she felt strangely quiet inside.
"Wow…"
"Guys… that actually made me tear up."
"This music is incredible."
"With this scene… the New Year atmosphere is just perfect."
She wiped her tears and smiled at the camera.
"Happy Lantern Rite, everyone!"
"I wish every Traveler a healthy and wonderful year ahead."
"May everything go smoothly for you, and may all your wishes come true!"
She clasped her hands together in greeting.
The chat instantly filled with messages.
[Happy Lantern Rite, Xuehua!]
[This feeling is so warm.]
[Honestly the game feels more festive than real life.]
[Why am I getting emotional watching this?]
[This actually made me cry.]
[WHEN IS QIU NIAN GETTING A BANNER?!]
Just then—
A new quest notification appeared on the screen.
Lantern Rite, Part IV — "The Old Year Ends, the New Year Begins."
"There's more?!"
"That's amazing!"
Xuehua jumped up in excitement.
The chat exploded again.
[Hurry up and play it!]
She immediately clicked the quest.
At the same time, another cutscene began.
Qiu Nian had already returned to Liyue Harbor.
As he walked through the lively streets, he quietly took in the festive atmosphere.
Eventually he reached the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Consultant Qiu Nian, you're back!"
"The old year has ended, and the new year has arrived!"
"You're the last one here!"
"Come on—let's go have some fun!"
After saying that, Hu Tao dashed out of the parlor like a burst of energy.
The chat erupted.
[Hu Tao is so cute!]
[I heard she's getting a banner soon—I'm pulling for C6!]
[She's so lively.]
Qiu Nian watched her run off and sighed softly.
"The Director is as energetic as ever."
At that moment, Zhongli stepped up beside him.
"Come, old friend."
"Happy Lantern Rite, Morax."
Qiu Nian smiled faintly.
"Haha…"
"Happy Lantern Rite, my friend."
Zhongli nodded.
The two of them walked out together.
They followed behind Hu Tao, who was happily hopping around and looking at everything.
The chat began joking again.
[Why do Zhongli and Qiu Nian feel like such a perfect pair?!]
[Their chemistry is incredible.]
[Why do they look like Hu Tao's bodyguards walking behind her?]
[Correction: two dads and their daughter.]
[Wait—why not one dad and one mom?!]
[Which one is the mom though?]
["Reborn as the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor: My Two God-Level Bodyguards."]
Another comment appeared.
[Hu Tao is officially the safest girl in all of Teyvat.]
"Qiu Nian! Zhongli!"
"Come look at this!"
Hu Tao ran to a nearby stall and waved excitedly.
Qiu Nian and Zhongli smiled and walked over.
The chat continued teasing.
[Why does this feel strangely doting?]
[Right? It's like they're spoiling her.]
Meanwhile—
Lumine and Paimon were also wandering through the bustling streets.
There were opera singers, storytellers, lion dancers, food stalls, and even shadow puppet shows everywhere.
Fireworks burst across the sky again and again.
Their colorful light reflected across Lumine and Paimon's faces.
"Wow!"
"Over here! And over there!"
"So much delicious food!"
Paimon flew around excitedly.
"Didn't you just eat at Wangshu Inn?"
Lumine asked with a sigh.
"That's different!"
"That was ages ago!"
"Paimon is ready for her next meal!"
Paimon protested.
Just then—
A worried voice called out from nearby.
"Guoba! Where did you run off to?!"
Lumine and Paimon turned around.
They saw Xiangling running through the street, calling Guoba's name anxiously.
At the same time—
Qiu Nian, Zhongli, and Hu Tao descended a set of nearby steps.
The cutscene ended.
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