The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"I have no intention of stopping you."

Shadow's answer left Mei speechless.

"...Then why won't you let me go back to rest?"

“Kiana needs you,” Shadow replied truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Kiana, the person involved, was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Mei, who looked astonished, and then at Kage, who had spoken. Seeing Kage's serious expression, she was filled with doubt and stepped forward to ask.

"Shadow, you mean...."

Mei followed Kiana's gaze and saw that the goddess, dressed in foreign attire, was calmly turning her head to look at her, speaking word by word.

"...Stay."

"Uh, Mei. What do you think?" Unexpectedly, Kage was so stubborn, so Kiana could only awkwardly go along with it and ask in return.

Things have come to this point, so saying anything more would just be picking a fight, wouldn't it?

Thinking of this, Mei reluctantly sat back down, her heart filled with conflict.

Why do I feel like Kiana is leading me by the nose?

"That's strange..."

Unfortunately, even though it felt strange and incongruous, Mei had to be understanding and abandon her plan to go back to rest, instead listening quietly in her seat.

Time passed by little by little, and finally, Zhongli took his leave as it was getting late.

Before leaving, he generously suggested that the bill be sent to the Northern Bank and someone would handle it.

While marveling at how this person could be so carefree and happy despite having no money, the group didn't waste any more words and quickly left the Liuli Pavilion together.

After arriving at the bustling main street of Liyue, the next step is to say goodbye.

"I'm going back to sleep. I'll print out the photos while I'm at it; do you need a copy, Kiana?"

"Okay, remember to give me a copy when it's printed out."

Kiana and Bronya both smiled, seemingly delighted by the collaboration.

For some reason, the friendly gaze of these two close friends seemed so strange to Mei.

"What kind of people are you!"

Watching Bronya slowly walk away, Mei suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness, as if she had been toyed with.

However, this is not the most critical issue. The most critical issue is that a god named Shadow has inexplicably appeared in his life.

You are very similar to me.

"Heh...you do seem a lot like me. Like looking in a mirror..."

Mei and Kage looked at each other, their eyes no longer filled with the coldness and resistance of before, but with understanding and tolerance. There was less hostility and jealousy.

"That's great, Mei. Kage, you've finally—!"

However, just as Kiana was looking at the two of them, feeling genuinely happy...

"Kiana? Have you taken care of things?"

Paimon's voice suddenly rang out behind him...

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 47 Hopefully that shrine maiden won't interfere.

Paimon's voice is so unique, it can be said to be unique in all of Teyvat... refreshing and otherworldly?

So after hearing it only once, Kiana came to her senses and realized that Ying and the others had arrived.

Sure enough, when everyone turned around, they saw Ying, Shenhe, Yunjin, and Paimeng walking together.

What's strange is that they were on a street from Liuliting towards Bubulu.

Logically speaking, that place is located on the opposite side of Hanfeng Ironware, which is almost like taking a roundabout route.

This means that after leaving Liuli Pavilion, they did not go to Hanfeng Ironware to try to forge the core, but instead went out of the city for a stroll.

However, this conjecture was quickly refuted because Ying and the others went out not for leisure, but to find the materials needed to create the core.

"I see? So all the materials have been collected?"

"Yes, that's right. We've collected them all."

Ying nodded slowly, then glanced at Shen He beside her.

His eyes revealed a different kind of sympathy and sadness than before, as if there was a deeper meaning...

Honestly, it's quite surprising that someone as composed and quiet as her would make such an expression. It really makes one curious... what could have happened?

Feeling puzzled, Kiana thought for a moment, then asked directly:

Did something happen while you were searching for materials?

"There are some things, but it's not convenient to disclose them. Let's continue, Kiana."

This is rare; Ying Zuo looked around and seemed not to offer an answer.

After several unsuccessful attempts to ask, Kiana stopped pressing the issue and slowly turned her head to look at Mei and Kage.

"Let's go, uh... Shadow, did you come alone or with a lot of followers?"

"A follower? Hmm," Shadow pondered, stroking her smooth chin. Even with a veil and hat to conceal her identity, her allure remained undiminished. "Although she is a follower of General Thunder, she is only a follower of General Thunder. To me... she's more like a friend, isn't she?"

The shadow's description was somewhat vague, which caused Kiana and the others to pause for a moment.

They are the retinue of General Raiden, but they are only the retinue of General Raiden. What kind of statement is that? Doesn't it feel redundant?

But they seem more like friends... Someone who would make Ying say that in person must not be an ordinary person, right?

So who exactly is she?

"Ying, what exactly is this friend of yours...?"

Kiana wore a serene smile, beginning to wonder if this friend was some kind of imaginary friend.

However, before she could even finish her question, Ying stated very decisively and swiftly:

"She felt that she hadn't traveled far in hundreds of years, and if she didn't relax and explore, it would be a waste of a good opportunity to be lazy."

"Well, it seems she really isn't your attendant."

Those who dare to say such things in front of their master are mostly ruthless characters.

Looking at Inazuma as a whole, the only one who could admit to slacking off in front of the Raiden General and still not get into trouble...

Perhaps it's that pink-haired shrine maiden?

Thinking of this, Kiana sighed.

"If it were her, she'd probably be hiding in the crowd watching the spectacle, right? Maybe she was already... well, that's probably it."

After quickly deducing what the priestess who came with General Thunder might be doing, Kiana put her thoughts aside and urged Luminous to head to the Cold Edge Iron Forging Core.

Now that we have the materials, what reason is there not to make them?

Once a unified goal is achieved, the rest becomes much simpler.

The group made steady progress and finally arrived at Hanfeng Ironwares' shop before nightfall.

At that moment, Master Zhang, who was in charge of blacksmithing, had just wiped his sweat and hadn't even had a chance to drink a couple of sips of water before turning his head away.

"Haha, you guys are incredibly fast. I didn't expect you to be back so quickly."

"Master Zhang, let's skip the formalities. Our materials are ready. May I ask if we can proceed now...?"

"It's all ready, hmm... this should be enough. You wait here, I'll make the Thousand Cores for you right away."

Master Zhang, who was in charge of blacksmithing, was a straightforward man. Even though it was almost time to get off work, he didn't make any excuses. Most other blacksmiths would have asked to take a break at this point, but he showed no intention of resting at all. He simply wiped his sweat and started a new round of blacksmithing.

Seeing this, Kiana and Shinhaku exchanged a glance, then followed Ying and waited on the side.

Before we knew it, another hour had quietly passed.

As the sun set and darkness fell, the Thousand Oddities Cores they needed... were still not finished being forged.

"Master Zhang, is it finished? This core part... we won't be unable to deliver, will we?"

"How could that be! I forged this myself. If it doesn't meet the standards, wouldn't that ruin the reputation of Hanfeng Ironware? You'll have to wait a while. You'll be waiting for a while."

Seeing how serious the blacksmith was, Kiana and Ying exchanged a glance, both wanting to dissuade him.

However, before they could even speak...

"No need, Master Zhang, I trust you."

Yun Jin suddenly stepped forward and spoke their thoughts on their behalf.

"Mr. Yun, you're too kind. Thank you."

After saying that, Master Zhang waved to everyone and then continued with his work.

At this point, the group decided not to disturb Master Zhang any further and had no choice but to leave for the time being.

As she left, Kiana stared at the still-unformed Thousand Core, her heart filled with doubt.

How should I describe that core? In short, it's extremely...wonderful?

Kiana was very interested in this antique-style item, which was full of the charm of China or Liyue.

However, despite her interest, she couldn't understand how this thing worked.

"This is the Thousand Wonders Core? It can be used to rebuild the Jade Pavilion?" Kiana asked in disbelief.

"Yes, not bad, this is the core of the Thousand Stars. Please trust him, Miss Kiana. In Liyue, the more ancient the craft, the more the inheritor cares about their reputation."

Yun Jin smiled, her voice sweet. This fully demonstrated her talent as a renowned performer.

Since this renowned boss has spoken, well... never mind.

Kiana scratched the back of her head, then turned her gaze to Ying and the others.

"According to Master Zhang, it will be a long time before the core is completed. What should we do next? Try to collect the talismans?"

Upon hearing Kiana's question, the others exchanged glances, none of them rushing to offer their opinions.

And just as everyone fell silent...