The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Kiana nodded upon hearing this. How could she not understand Shadow? Shadow was just such a simple god.

If she sets her mind on something, she will persist in doing it regardless of whether it's right or wrong, even if it comes at a price.

so...

"Since you've made your decision, I respect it. You're my friend. I won't try to stop you. However, Ying, I hope you remember what I told you. If you ever do anything to hurt my friend, I will defend her with my life."

After a long silence and an extremely intense internal struggle, Kiana slowly uttered these words, then raised her right hand, summoning the King's Sword. She assumed a posture of being ready to stop you at any moment.

"...Sigh," Ying slowly closed her eyes, "My feelings have never changed. Haven't they?"

Kiana remained silent upon hearing this.

In this situation, saying one more word might only make an already falling apart relationship even more chaotic.

"Why are you so obsessed with Kiana?" Mei's voice was hesitant.

Upon hearing this, Ying's expression instantly turned cold.

"This is something I must do in my pursuit of eternity; it has nothing to do with you."

Upon hearing Ying's reply, Mei felt a surge of anger.

Is this guy... making fun of himself?

What the heck is this pursuit of eternity? Come to think of it, isn't she some kind of deity? Isn't it possible for her to exist eternally?

"Can I take that as you deceiving yourself? Fine, if you're not going to tell the truth, I won't force you. But Kiana already has someone she likes, what else do you want?" Mei roared.

Ying's face grew increasingly gloomy.

"Do you perhaps intend to stand in my way and become my eternal enemy?"

Shadow's tone was filled with murderous intent.

"I have no intention of stopping you from pursuing anything eternal. I just hope Kiana can stay by my side, even if it's just for a little while longer. Do you want to take away this small wish of mine?" Mei replied without fear.

Upon hearing this, Ying's killing intent intensified.

Clearly, the banquet at Liuli Pavilion was ultimately a failure.

Or perhaps the results were minimal?

In short, at this moment, Zhongli realized that these two people... had already vaguely fallen into demonic possession.

If left unchecked, they might join forces to split someone in two and distribute the spoils fairly.

"Hey..."

After a moment's hesitation, Zhongli coughed, then raised his hand to signal everyone to look at the root of the problem...

Kiana.

"Gentlemen, why not listen to what she has to say from the bottom of her heart?"

Huh? Zhongli actually knows to make me explain?

Well... although the chances of successfully calming them down seem slim, it would be worthwhile if we could find a way to get either of them to calm down.

Perhaps this conflict could have been avoided?

With this in mind, Kiana made a silent resolution.

"I must calm them both down!"

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 43 Mei: "Why am I the younger sister now?!"

Finally, at the host's suggestion, Mei and Kage finally put away their tense stance.

Kiana, who was feeling extremely anxious, finally had a chance to unleash her power, so she coughed.

"Mei!"

"Hmm?" Mei turned her head slowly upon hearing the voice. "What's wrong, Kiana? You don't expect me to go easy on her, do you?"

For some reason, this tone makes it feel like... the wife is defending her position?

So it's true that you can't provoke her?

Kiana thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said:

"Uh... I hope you can get along well with Ying."

"Kiana! Why would you... say that?"

In an instant, just a moment, Mei had a feeling of betrayal, but the next second Kiana suddenly closed in.

"Trust me, Mei. I won't abandon you."

"Kiana...you really are..." Mei, whose pretty face was cupped in her hands, wanted to avoid that sincere gaze, but unfortunately...she couldn't.

Sigh, I feel like I can't resist those eyes once I look into them...

After much thought, Mei finally sighed.

"Okay, stop looking at me like that. I...I'll try to tone it down."

"Ok!"

After barely managing to resolve Mei's problem, Kiana glanced at Kage.

"Heh..." Ying sneered, then crossed her arms and said arrogantly, "If you really want to try, then come on. I want to see how you plan to convince me!"

“Shadow,” Kiana sighed, realizing the other had misunderstood her. “I didn’t expect you to care so much, but Shadow, if Mei’s actions just now offended you, I apologize. But you need to understand, no matter what, you are both my friends, and I don’t want you to fight anymore, okay?”

Upon hearing this, Ying was stunned.

Then, she looked at Mei.

Mei looked at her as well, seemingly waiting for an answer as well.

Ying didn't speak again, but just looked at Mei, as if waiting for a response.

The interaction between the two girls seemed very strange.

"Shadow," Kiana called out again upon seeing this.

"..." Ying came back to her senses and immediately turned her gaze to Mei.

Mei felt a little uneasy under her gaze, so she quickly looked away.

Ying's expression gradually changed from serious to calm.

It's unclear what she's thinking, but what's certain is that her hostility... isn't as intense as before.

"What...what exactly are you trying to say?" Mei was conflicted.

Ugh, Kiana, really. Why did she have to make me accept this woman? Hmm...

But it's strange, if you look closely... why does she look so much like me?

Could it be a parallel version of myself? No way... such a coincidence?

Mei was torn and began to waver on whether to accept the existence of the Shadow.

If the 'she' before her is truly 'herself' from a parallel world, then it means there should also be a Kiana in this world, right? If so, why doesn't she go find her Kiana?

You want to share this with yourself? Ugh, just thinking about it makes me angry.

Of course, for Mei, at this moment her attitude towards Kage has changed from a rival who appeared out of nowhere to a little sister who is fighting with her for toys.

Yeah, that's pretty much the situation.

Unfortunately, although Mei has let go of her resentment, it doesn't mean that the other party will easily agree.

"Oh?" Shadow chuckled lightly. "What am I trying to say? Hmph, although I don't understand why you're so similar to me, traveler from another world, I see clearly your attempt to obstruct eternity. And now you're preparing to..."

"Alright, alright, Ying."

Because Shadow spoke with such a divine air, Kiana couldn't stand it anymore and reached out to pat her on the shoulder.

"You don't need to say things like that with such a straight face. You just need to treat Mei as your little sister."

"...Huh?" Ying turned her head and looked at him, puzzled.

"What?!"

Mei was dumbfounded, never expecting that she would end up as a younger sister.

Why should I?!

"Kiana, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Enraged, she grabbed Kiana's hand without saying a word, her face contorted with anger as she questioned Kiana.

"Ah! Mei, Mei, don't be impulsive!"

How could I not act impulsively?

"Gentlemen."

Just then, Zhongli, who had been observing for a long time, saw that the atmosphere between the three girls had finally eased, so he put down his teacup:

"Now that we've put aside our past grievances, why not try the delicious food at Liuli Pavilion? It would make the trip worthwhile, and it would be a comfort to both ourselves and others."

Zhongli's interruption was so coincidental that Mei and Ying, who were about to continue arguing, were both stunned.

"Ah, I..."

Looking at the two girls who looked and acted similarly, Kiana could only shake her head with a wry smile.

"Can't you two just be quiet for a bit?"

"Ugh...why does it feel like I'm the one being silly?" Mei covered her forehead, feeling her thoughts were jumbled and she didn't know where to begin.

"...I do have that feeling."

Ying replied silently, then sighed, sat back down, and began to pick up her chopsticks to eat.

Although he wanted to say something more, Morax had already intervened. If he continued, it would likely only make things worse and further distance him from Kiana.

So, it seems I have to reluctantly accept... this younger sister?

Ying picked up a piece of sugar cake and savored it carefully, then turned her gaze to Mei.

Feeling the gaze of this 'self', Mei inexplicably felt a little embarrassed.