Ying's words seemed to be directed at Mu Yang.
But they also seemed to be directed at herself.
At first, she had been unwilling to get involved in this troublesome matter.
She had only begun seeking out the adepti with the Hundred-Proof Talisman in order to help Mu Yang.
To inform them of this news.
And have them rush to Liyue Harbor to resolve the problem.
But now, she seemed to have been drawn into a conspiracy.
The feeling of being plotted against was deeply unpleasant.
Especially since the person plotting against her was very likely Childe of the Fatui.
So Ying's thoughts.
Had shifted from not wanting to get involved at first.
To wanting to drag out the mastermind behind it all.
To see what they wanted.
And what role they wanted her to play in this conspiracy.
Paimon's face showed a hint of worry.
"I don't know what to do either. Are we going back to Liyue Harbor now?"
The two of them looked at Mu Yang at the same time.
Mu Yang sensed their questioning gazes.
But he had no intention of deciding things for Ying.
"Do what you think is right. This is your journey."
After hearing his words.
Ying made up her mind.
"The Liyue Qixing and the Fatui."
"No matter who is manipulating this from behind the scenes, I'll drag them out."
"They actually want to use me? I'm not someone to be messed with."
Seeing that Ying had decided what to do.
Paimon chimed in as well.
"That's right, let's find the real culprit!"
"Paimon isn't someone to be messed with either!"
Ying asked Mu Yang.
"Are you coming back with us?"
She was actually somewhat uncertain.
Mu Yang's position should have been on the adepti's side.
He might act together with them.
Unexpectedly, Mu Yang gave her an affirmative answer right away.
"If this is your decision, then I'll return to Liyue Harbor with you."
When Paimon heard that Mu Yang was coming along.
She was delighted.
"Hehe, then we won't have to worry about anyone ambushing us along the way."
"And there'll be delicious food too."
Paimon had an excellent impression of Mu Yang.
He was highly skilled and good at listening.
Though he did not speak much.
Everything he said was useful.
And whenever they traveled, he made delicious food to feed her.
Mu Yang's place in her heart was now rising rapidly.
Mu Yang said he would return with them.
But he had one condition.
This confused Ying. "What condition?"
Mu Yang said, "I won't act together with you in Liyue Harbor."
"I can only protect you from the shadows and appear when necessary."
Little Paimon could not understand.
"Why?"
Mu Yang patiently explained.
"I had a confrontation with La Signora in Mondstadt."
"Although it was only a brief exchange, one thing is certain."
"She has already told Childe everything she learned about me."
"On top of that, I attacked Childe that day."
"If you act together with me, his vigilance will definitely increase greatly."
Ying felt that Mu Yang's analysis made sense.
"If he sees Mu Yang acting together with us."
"They might change their plan in order to guard against Mu Yang."
"And that new plan will definitely be more dangerous and troublesome."
Mu Yang nodded.
"That's right. So I'll hide in the shadows, while you follow his original plan."
"Report to him about inviting the adepti at Jueyun Karst, then respond to whatever comes your way."
Paimon understood as well.
"Oh~ That means we'll have a trump card like Mu Yang."
"And Childe won't see it coming at all."
Guinaifen's livestream.
Xiao Guizi started praising Mu Yang again.
Was this what it felt like when beauty was in the eye of the beholder?
"Mu Yang is just too meticulous! The sense of security he gives me has already broken past 1000%! Aaaaaah!"
The streamer was going to get herself into trouble sooner or later at this rate.
Senpason Head.
Was this also part of your plan, Mu Yang?
No, why is everyone treating Childe like the villain?
Isn't he?
He was genuinely helping us back then.
Xiao Guizi replied to that comment.
"Don't you understand how a pig-butchering scam works? They don't scam you right away."
"They fatten you up first, then scam you."
The streamer understands everything.
What about Mu Yang? He's been by our side since Mondstadt.
Yeah, by your logic, we've already been fattened up enough, right?
Damn, it'd be fun if Mu Yang turned out to be the bad guy.
Xiao Guizi immediately put those comments in their place.
"He's my husband. You're not allowed to talk about him like that!"
Amazing, the streamer's mouth is unbeatable.
Holy crap, what a double-standard dog!
User "Tie Niu Beef Noodles, Have a Taste" has been muted for 10 minutes.
The plan was settled just like that.
Ying and Paimon would act as though they knew nothing.
And proceed according to Childe's plan.
They prepared to set off for Liyue Harbor.
Mu Yang noticed Little Paimon staring at him the entire time.
He found it a little strange.
"What is it, Paimon? Is there something on my face?"
Paimon hurriedly waved her hands in denial.
"No, no. I was just wondering if you'd suddenly disappear like Xiao."
"After all, there must be plenty of Fatui lookouts along the road..."
Mu Yang thought for a moment.
Then he put on a disappearing act.
Of course, he could not do it to Xiao's extent.
He had merely pushed his Lightness Skill to its limit.
Ordinary people would not notice it unless they paid close attention.
That move left Paimon utterly dumbfounded.
"Wah—! He really disappeared!"
Oh my god, he pampers her so much.
I'm dying, Little Paimon is definitely going to regret saying that.
Why?
Mu Yang said he'd treat them earlier, but he still hadn't paid for the meal.
Paimon looked toward Ying.
"Sure enough, all adepti know this trick, huh?"
However, Ying did not look surprised.
Instead, she folded her arms.
And looked at Paimon with a smug expression.
"All right, Paimon. It's time to use your little stash to pay the bill."
Paimon: "Huh?!"
Ying cupped her face. "Wasn't it you who told Mu Yang to leave first?"
The little money-grubber Paimon dejectedly poked her fingers together.
"Well, when he said he'd protect us from the shadows, he should still be nearby, right..."
"How about I call him back?"
Mu Yang could barely keep it together when he heard that.
You little money-grubber.
It really was hard to get you to spend even a little of your private savings.
You were stingier than the system.
System: "How did you drag me into this?"
He took out a bag of Mora from the space provided by the system.
He flicked one of the coins at Paimon's little head.
Then tossed the bag to Ying.
Paimon had been struck by the Mora coin.
She was now pretending that her head hurt.
"Ow, it looks like I really can't badmouth adepti in the future."
Ying said, "Why don't I believe you?"
Hurry up and pick it up, then say, "Thanks, Brother Mu Yang."
Thanks, Brother Mu Yang.
Could you give me some Mora too? I want to go eat an insane amount of Sweet Madame.
Ying put away the Mora.
Seeing that Paimon was still pretending.
"All right, all right. Hurry up and pack up. We're heading back to Liyue Harbor."
After the two of them went down to settle the bill.
They left Wangshu Inn.
And set off toward Liyue Harbor.
Although they did not see any sign of Mu Yang along the way.
Ying knew that he was nearby.
That was reassuring.
Before you continue