Liyue, Mt. Tianheng.
Morax gazed at the thriving Liyue Harbor, yet he could not bring himself to feel happy.
More than half a month had passed since Guizhong returned to life. In that time, Morax had searched all of Teyvat without finding the slightest trace of Xiu Yuan, as though he had simply vanished without a reason.
"Still feeling down?" The Adepti had brought Guizhong over from the Guili Plains. Seeing Morax's troubled expression, she asked with concern.
"Mm..." Morax answered listlessly.
"What brings you here today?" Not wanting Guizhong to worry along with him, Morax changed the subject.
"Today is Liyue's annual Lantern Rite. You've been so frantic lately that you've even forgotten the festival you established yourself."
With an ache in her heart, Guizhong came to Morax's side and gently stroked his hand. "Big Brother will come back. Didn't he promise to become one of The Seven alongside you? You have to believe in him."
"Mm, you're right."
"Is today the Lantern Rite?"
Morax truly had forgotten the date. He had been searching all over the world for Xiu Yuan.
Looking at the lively crowds below, Morax remembered their first Lantern Rite. The festival itself had been intended to preserve the memory of Xiu Yuan's existence.
"I'll call this festival the Lantern Rite. People can write down their wishes, place them inside Sea Lanterns, and release them. Liyue's gods will choose some of those wishes to grant. At the same time, the lanterns will shine for the people of Liyue far from home, telling them that their homeland remains peaceful and prosperous, and their loved ones happy and well."
Remembering Xiu Yuan's words, Morax fell silent.
Without a word, he brewed himself a pot of tea. It was strong tea, bitter and astringent, and he hated it.
But