The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"Gentlemen, I have something to say."

Shen He slowly began to speak, drawing everyone's attention...

[Author's Note: I'm promoting my new book, a Genshin Impact/Otome fanfic titled "Genshin Impact, Whose Little Fox Am I?!" It's about a reincarnated white fox becoming a child fox raised in a shrine maiden's family? Something like that. A product of my period of reflection, I'll treat it seriously, and it's currently being updated steadily.]

Genshin Impact, whose little fox am I?!

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 48 A Sleepless Night with Mei and Shadow

Shen He slowly walked out, because she had a red rope around her neck. As always, she appeared calm and composed, but this time, when she saw Ying Hou, her dark eyes seemed to reveal a complex emotion.

Such an expression was truly peculiar. Kiana couldn't understand why Shinhaku would show such an expression after seeing Ying.

Could it be that the two of them had a conflict while searching for materials?

Hmm... I think that's probably not the case?

With this question in mind, Kiana slowly turned her gaze to Shen He, wondering what this disciple of the immortals wanted to say.

"Actually, I have been cultivating with immortals for many years and have some knowledge of the methods for preparing talisman images."

As he spoke, Shen He turned his gaze to Ying and Kiana.

When they noticed the white-haired girl looking at them, the two exchanged glances, both realizing that a significant secret might be about to be revealed.

as predicted!

"When we first met, I told you that I came for the Jade Pavilion, not to participate in the competition," Shen He said slowly, clutching his chest.

"We know."

Upon hearing this, Kiana spread her hands and looked at Ying with a puzzled expression.

Suddenly, I realized that I was just helping out as a side project, and my only thought about the so-called competition was probably related to her.

"Well, actually I came here to deliver talismans to the immortals. My master heard about Ningguang's reconstruction of the Jade Pavilion, so she asked me to deliver talismans to her. At the same time, my master also said that she hoped I could take this opportunity to return to human society. But now it seems that I have been isolated from the world for too long and lack a lot of common sense."

These words startled everyone present.

The reasons for the surprise vary depending on who hears it.

Kiana and Ying, who both know Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun, would be very surprised that this great immortal would so thoughtfully send them talismans.

Yun Jin, Mei, Ying, Bronya and the others would be surprised that the last mission item was obtained so easily.

"What! You're here to deliver a talisman to Ningguang! Why didn't you tell us sooner...?"

Paimon, finally snapping out of his daze, immediately widened his eyes, unable to believe that what he had heard was real.

Kiana looked at Shen He with a helpless expression.

"It doesn't feel right to ask this, but you're not being direct because you don't quite trust us yet, right?"

"Hmm... I can only say that I've been isolated from the world for too long and lack common sense. Staying here might not be the right thing to do. But I'm very happy to have met you all. Leave the preparation of the talismans to me."

In his words, Shen He expressed his apology and discomfort at returning to human society.

This won't do. They've been traveling together for so long, and Shenhe's original intention was to return to human society. Now he's suddenly changed his mind...

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, then turned their attention to the culprit.

Kiana...

"I will leave once the talisman is completed. That... seal—!"

"That's not what I meant, Shen He, don't take it too seriously," Kiana quickly comforted her. "I think you're already integrating well into human society, aren't you? After all, aren't we all living, breathing people? You haven't had any conflicts with us these past few days. So there's no need to worry about anything."

Upon hearing this, Shen He fell silent.

She maintained her usual expression as she watched everyone, finally fixing her gaze on Kiana.

"Hahaha..."

Kiana felt a little embarrassed by the cold stare from the person involved.

Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to intend to keep buzzing around.

"I accept your suggestion."

After saying this, Shen He asked Master Zhang if he could provide a place for the refining work. After receiving a relatively reliable answer, the two parties began the work.

Time passed little by little, and soon the night, which was originally quite shallow, became increasingly deep with the passage of time.

Finally, as darkness was about to reach its peak, both sides completed their respective tasks.

"We've finally found the things."

With the creation of two rare treasures, the reconstruction competition of the Jade Pavilion came to a successful conclusion.

At this moment, Kiana and Luminous's team can be said to have victory firmly in their grasp, unless an extremely unexpected dark horse emerges along the way. Otherwise, given their current level of play, nothing unexpected is likely to happen.

So the next question is...

"Shouldn't we find a place to rest?"

Kiana looked around the streets and alleys of Liyue and found that even the bustling Liyue Harbor was quiet and deserted at this time of night. Only a few scattered shops were still open, and all the others had long since closed.

In this situation, you'll most likely not find anyone at the construction site.

Rather than wasting time traveling in the middle of the night and waiting aimlessly at the destination, it's better to find a place to sleep in Liyue Harbor and head out early the next morning with the supplies.

Thinking of this, Kiana turned around and looked at everyone.

"It's getting late. Shall we find a place to stay for the night and then deliver the goods at dawn?"

Kiana's suggestion was unanimously agreed upon.

After discussing the matter, Kiana and the others wandered around the streets and eventually found an inn that was still open nearby.

The guesthouse wasn't big, but it was very clean.

"This place is not bad; you can rest here for the time being. We're only staying for one night anyway."

Upon entering the inn, Kiana immediately began comforting everyone and announcing the plans for tomorrow.

"The conditions here are really bad."

Ying frowned slightly.

"Hmm... compared to bustling areas, yes, but at least we have somewhere to make do for the night. Let's not think too much about it, Shadow."

"Kiana? What are you doing here? Hurry up and book a room!"

"Coming, coming! Ahem, sorry Ying. I have to go take care of some business. Please try to accommodate me."

Kiana walked toward the counter at the other end of the inn and found an old woman sitting in the corner. Her white hair made her look rather lonely, and her gaze kept wandering, as if she was looking at something but couldn't see anything.

Are you checking into the hotel?

"Yes, that's right."

"Hmm... how many people are there?" The old woman slowly raised her head and began to greet Kiana and the others.

After briefly inquiring about the remaining rooms and promptly paying the accommodation fees, everyone was finally able to rest.

However, due to the approaching end of the year, many out-of-town merchants choose to travel to Liyue Harbor in search of opportunities, leading to a housing shortage.

Kiana, Mei, and Kage had to squeeze into one room, waiting for dawn to break.

Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 49 A Vow Beyond Time and Death

Compared to the simple guesthouse rooms at the reconstruction site of Qunyu Pavilion, the rooms in this proper inn are obviously much more decent. Overall, although it is inferior to the rooms at Wangshu Inn, one has to admit that it is a good place to sleep.

"Wow, this feels pretty good. Although Mora obviously overpaid, at least the location is nice. Hehe... Mei, Kage. You guys—!"

Kiana pushed open the door, intending to marvel at how affordable the room was, and then start a conversation to cover up the awkward atmosphere.

Who would have thought... before they even finished speaking.

Mei and Kage entered the room together and headed straight for the bed.

The two moved so in perfect unison, it was as if they had planned it beforehand. Kiana, the guide for the entire group, could only scratch the back of her head, sitting helplessly at the guest table, pondering how to break the deadlock.

Unfortunately...

The two sisters, who had only recently become acquainted, completely ignored her.

After entering the room, the two didn't even bother to close the door before sitting silently on the edge of the bed. Looking at their calm expressions, Kiana wondered why she felt like she had somehow offended them.

It must be my imagination, right? There's nothing wrong with staying at a hotel, and as for setting off at dawn... is that wrong?

The situation was so bizarre that Kiana was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

However, it's late at night anyway, so we should close the door first.

Even if there's no one outside, leaving the door wide open like this... is really embarrassing.

I don't know why...

After getting up and closing the door, Kiana suddenly felt a sense of relief, as if some burden that had been weighing on her heart had been lifted.

How is this going?

Kiana was baffled.

"Alright, it's late now, let's get some rest."

Just as Kiana was wondering, a faint voice came from the side.

"okay!"

Upon hearing Ying's voice, Kiana immediately tiptoed toward the bed, then pulled up the covers, took off her shoes and clothes, and crawled into bed. She lay quietly on the bed, then slowly closed her eyes, facing the ceiling.

They seemed oblivious to the lingering awkwardness in the air.

"Kiana... honestly. When did you learn this move?"

Seeing Kiana's actions, Mei endured for a moment, then finally shook her head.

Who taught her to play dead? The person who taught her this trick must have been a troublemaker, right?

Mei, without caring whether Kiana wanted to or not, took off her shoes, climbed onto the bed, and lay down on the bed in the same position as Kiana.