Keqing's reminder made Ningguang a bit panicked as well.

Sure, the Lantern Rite had a great original purpose, but…

Immortals like Yixiao had just been resurrected—it was supposed to be a joyous occasion.

And yet, they were planning to visit a Lantern Rite event commemorating his death.

And right as they thought about going, they saw fireworks go off depicting Yixiao—complete with his likeness exploding in the air.

Watching your own face explode?

How would anyone feel about that?

Wasn't it basically saying, "Hey look, you blew up!"

Ningguang decisively ordered the cancellation of the Yixiao-themed fireworks and instructed the organizers to replace them with something else.

Otherwise, this year's Lantern Rite was bound to end up as a laughingstock.

Not far away, Yixiao had just finished speaking with a few others.

Zhongli and the rest approached, and Yixiao turned to Ryen with gratitude in his eyes.

"Thank you, Mr. Ryen, for bringing me back to life."

"Though it was unexpected… being able to witness Liyue Harbor as it is today with my own eyes is something I truly feel fortunate for."

As soon as he finished speaking, Moon Carver offhandedly added from the side:

"What he really means is that he's glad you revived him and—more importantly—saved his horns. Losing them would've been more painful than death."

Yixiao pursed his lips and turned to look at Moon Carver with a strange glint in his eyes.

"How do you know my horns are the strongest and most beautiful in all of Liyue?"

"…"

Mooncarver's face crumpled, and he let out a huff before walking off to the side.

Yixiao only ever made those kinds of comments to him.

As for why…

Well, Moon Carver had horns too!

Ryen chuckled and asked softly,

"This was the first time we used the Totem of Resurrection. How are you feeling?"

"My condition?"

Yixiao touched his horns.

"Feels great! I think they're even more stunning now!"

"…"

Everyone finally understood what Moon Carver meant—this Yixiao really was an extremely vain immortal.

And yet, after transforming into his human form, he looked like a serious middle-aged man.

His words were spoken with such earnestness, it created a strange, awkward contrast that left people speechless.

"I meant your power, things like that," Ryen sighed, slightly exasperated.

"Oh!" Yixiao finally understood. He lowered his voice and said,

"My strength… it doesn't seem to be coming out much…"

"Did you lose it, or does it feel like it's being suppressed?"

Ryen asked.

Yixiao focused for a moment, then shook his head.

"It's strange. I can feel all my strength—it's still there, no different from before. But I just can't use it… Is that a problem?"

Hearing that, Zhongli visibly relaxed.

"No problem at all. In this world, your strength will naturally be suppressed. Not just you—my divine power is completely unusable here too."

"This world?"

Yixiao looked at Zhongli, completely puzzled.

Zhongli nodded slightly.

"This is Ryen's world, not Teyvat."

Yixiao's face changed dramatically, his voice full of disbelief:

"You mean... this entire complete world belongs to Mr. Ryen alone?"

Beside them, Moon Carver pouted.

"I told you this earlier, didn't I? You just didn't listen."

Yixiao's expression stiffened slightly, then he gave a small nod.

"You're right. But still, your horns aren't as good-looking as mine."

"..."

Moon Carver pursed his lips, suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to strangle Yixiao.

Yixiao cast him a sideways glance and said softly:

"So that means Mr. Ryen is also the master of a world... No wonder…"

"It seems many incredible things have happened in Liyue after my death. I don't even know how much time has passed… or how many of my old friends are still alive."

At this topic of old friends, Zhongli and the others should have felt melancholy.

But now that Yixiao was revived, the others would be too—soon enough!

Cloud Retainer spoke softly:

"Many adepti fell during the Archon War—hundreds of us. Now, only a few dozen remain."

"But with the resurrection totem, we'll bring all our old friends back. It's only a matter of time."

"Liyue has changed in many ways. The Geo Archon abdicated. Liyue is now governed by mortals. Just a few days ago, the current Tianquan Star and her peers used the power of humanity alone to kill Osial."

Yixiao was completely stunned.

"The Geo Archon abdicated? The Qixing killed Osial? That's…"

"Shocking, isn't it?"

Cloud Retainer chuckled and nodded.

"There's too much to tell, not enough time right now. Tonight when we return, we'll drink properly—and we'll tell you everything over a good feast."

Yixiao sighed and said helplessly:

"Truly, times have changed. Back then, the people of Liyue could only barely survive under our wings… And now, they've grown this strong. It's a good thing."

"Who are the current Qixing?"

Upon hearing this, Ningguang and Keqing stepped forward and spoke softly:

"Greetings, Yixiao The Perfected Lord. I am Ningguang, the present Tianquan Star."

"And I am Keqing, the Yuheng Star."

Both of them bowed slightly.

"Congratulations on your return to Liyue, Lord Yixiao."

Yixiao looked them over curiously, surprised:

"To think it's two young girls… impressive indeed."

"No need to be so formal. Just call me Yixiao. Liyue belongs to your generation now."

With that, Yixiao suddenly noticed Ganyu, and let out a hearty laugh:

"Little Ganyu, you've slimmed down so much! Back in the day…"

"Immortal Yixiao!"

Ganyu glared angrily at Yixiao, puffing up with frustration as she hid behind Ryen's back.

Yixiao, however, remained unconcerned.

~~----------------------

Patreon Advance Chapters:

patreon.com/Dreamer20