Liyue, Mt. Aocang.
Li Qiuzhi vaguely remembered that Mt. Aocang did indeed have a stone stairway leading straight to the summit. Barring any surprises, this should be it.
This mountain was much bigger than it was in the game.
They had been a little lucky to stumble across this stairway. Otherwise, they would not have found it so quickly.
"Great! With these stone steps, we won't have to work so hard climbing all over the mountainside."
Paimon spoke excitedly.
"Which hand exactly do you need to climb a mountain when you're flying by magic?" Lumine quipped, patting her dirt-covered palms.
Her clothes had gotten a little dirty during the climb too.
In particular, her knees, their soft, rounded contours outlined by her white knee-high boots, were also covered in dirt. Still, it was easy enough to "wash" them clean with Anemo.
She just needed to be a little careful, or she could easily tear her boots with the wind.
"What? I'm happy for everyone! That womanizing carrot, Xingqiu, and Chongyun are covered in dirt too."
Paimon spread her hands innocently.
Womanizing carrot... Hearing what Paimon called him, Li Qiuzhi felt rather helpless.
It seemed she had already unconsciously given him that nickname.
Hmm, this won't do. If she calls me that in front of girls who don't like me all that much yet, it could make earning their Friendship harder.
Looks like I'll have to talk to Paimon and get her to change it.
Countless thoughts ran through Li Qiuzhi's mind.
"...Ahem, I think Paimon's right. It's good to have these stone steps. Let's keep going. We should be almost there."
Li Qiuzhi gave a light cough and took the lead toward the stone steps ahead.
"There's still some time before noon. Let's walk a little farther before we rest."