Peace reigned within Mondstadt City. With Master Diluc's formidable strength and Acting Grand Master Jean's protection, the city, which had suffered under Stormterror's influence, had regained some of its vitality.
At the very least, the taverns were lively, and Stormterror had not flown over Mondstadt City once in three days.
Before that, he had flown overhead at night every few days, frightening the children in the city to tears.
The Abyss Order was at a loss, too.
A capable Traveler named Lumine had appeared, Diluc had grown stronger, and, more terrifying still, Jean had acquired a magical artifact.
The Immortal-Binding Rope? Stormterror could probably break free of it, right?
At least for now, they did not want to send Stormterror to find out.
In Inazuma.
Things were not exactly bustling, but the subject was hotly discussed in the izakayas and at the Shrine.
Everyone knew about it.
Kujou Sara led the Tenryou Commission's personnel in organizing and maintaining order around those who were hopping on one leg or lying on the ground, unable to run any farther.
She had the Shogunate Army keep an eye on them to ensure their safety.
"Lady Kujou Sara seems to have been in a good mood these past few days."
"I heard Lady Kujou Sara received a Lucky Reward: an exquisite Life-Size Body Pillow of the Shogun."
"Lady Sara reveres the Shogun so much. She must love it."
"She probably has it enshrined at home."
In fact, she was hugging it while doing somersaults.
Kujou Sara said, "What are you talking about? How are things on the front lines?"
"Reporting to Lady Kujou Sara: the Resistance seems to have pulled back quite a distance."
Kujou Sara pondered for a moment. Could she be thinking the same thing as me?
Sangonomiya Kokomi was indeed thinking along the same lines as Kujou Sara.
Their idea was to withdraw for now and preserve their strength. That mysterious livestream had shown events in Mondstadt, so it would very likely show events in Inazuma as well. The Shogun was also in the livestream room, and everyone was forced to participate.
If they waited, perhaps no one would have to be sacrificed.
Kujou Sara would carry out every order the Shogun gave, but deep down, she also knew that the Vision Hunt Decree had its flaws.
"The Resistance must be plotting something. Our forces will pull back as well and maintain strict defenses at our positions. Give them no openings."
"Understood!"
Within the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayato and Kamisato Ayaka were playing shogi.
Kamisato Ayaka said, "Check!"
Thoma said, "The young lady won! That was amazing."
Kamisato Ayato applauded as well, then rose. "I'll go out for a stroll. Inazuma has regained a little vitality lately thanks to that mysterious livestream."
Kamisato Ayaka said, "Then I'll get to work as well. Thoma, come help me continue organizing the information we've gathered."
In bustling Liyue Harbor.
There was no need to say what the hottest topic was. Naturally, the liveliest spot was still where the storyteller Tian Tie Zui held court.
"Mr. Zhongli, you're here too." Yun Jin had also come to listen and sat beside Zhongli.
"Please, take a seat, Ms. Yun." Zhongli took a sip of tea.
For the past two days, this place had been filled with people listening to the storytelling.
Tian Tie Zui held his fan, his legs trembling.
His paper fan snapped open-
"When last we left our tale, that livestream room had appeared before everyone like a god."
"It could not be dismissed, nor could one escape it, like a ghost lingering before one's body."
"The masses had no choice but to participate."
"This time, it was the tale of Mondstadt's Darknight Hero."
"Whoosh! That fiery phoenix of judgment burned the monsters of the Abyss to ashes."
"And the mortals who took part... guess what happened to them?"
Tian Tie Zui slapped his thigh and plopped down on the ground. "They ran their legs clean off!"
"Hahahaha-"
"Hahahaha-"
Tian Tie Zui stood up. "Who could have imagined it? Either Mora fell from the heavens to fill your pockets, enough to cover a whole table with fine wine and good food, or you hopped on one foot for an entire day, or you were confined to your home. But of course, who had it worst?"
Who?
"The poor soul who had only just received his money and wanted to share the answer! Who knew it would all be taken back, with another ten laps added to his punishment? Twenty laps! What misery!"
"Hahahaha-"
"Well told-"
Things were more harmonious than expected, though there was certainly plenty for people to relish discussing.
For instance, many people knew about Xingqiu wearing women's clothes. Without being told, everyone present at the time had thought he was a girl.
And there was the enthusiastic exorcist Chongyun.
Lady Ningguang rode Charizard around every day to unwind.
At the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang said, "Baiwen, Baishi, Baixiao, mobilize our resources and gather as much information about the other nations as possible."
"Understood, Lady Ningguang."
Ningguang spoke earnestly. "We must prepare a foolproof plan and gather more intelligence, especially rumors and unofficial reports. We need to improve our accuracy in this mysterious livestream. It will surely be of even greater help to the Liyue Qixing and all of Liyue."
Keqing nodded beside her. "The age of Liyue's adepti has passed. Liyue's future is an age governed by humans. Ningguang, you have my full support."
Ganyu nodded as well. "I'll do everything I can."
Everyone was preparing, for this power was simply too incredible.
At noon on the seventh day.
It appeared. A screen materialized before everyone.
"Ding-welcome to the second livestream quiz. This livestream is-The Jianghu Asks Not of One's Origins."
Before you continue