A massive crane stood perched on the eaves, and the surrounding townsfolk seemed to revere it. Some even bowed, praying for its blessing.

However, for Nekomata, Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi, and the others, this was their first time seeing such a huge bird.

Startled, Nekomata cried out, "Meow—what a big bird..."

Right after, she quickly nudged Sam Li beside her. "Sam Li, look! What a big bird—way bigger than the ones you usually walk around with."

The moment those words left her mouth, the crane's attention was drawn to them.

The next instant, the crane actually spoke: "Insolence! Who are you to dare speak so disrespectfully in Liyue?"

Hearing the crane speak, Nekomata, Nicole, Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Soldier 11, and the others were left even more shocked.

They had thought it was just an oversized bird—never did they imagine it could talk!

Seeing that the crane seemed angered, Nicole hurriedly tried to explain on Nekomata's behalf. "Um... we're from New Eridu. We've come to cooperate with Liyue. May I ask, who is this bird lady—"

Before she could finish, the crane grew even more furious. "Insolence! I have a name. I am Cloud Retainer!"

Cloud Retainer?

What a peculiar name.

Zhu Yuan opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but Paimon and the Traveler finally snapped to attention, worried she might say something wrong.

Paimon quickly cut in, "This is one of Liyue's Adepti—Cloud Retainer. Didn't you say you wanted to meet an Adeptus? Well, here she is!"

Then Paimon turned to Cloud Retainer and explained, "Adeptus, they're from New Eridu. They've only just arrived in Liyue, so they don't know the customs here—or who you are. Please don't be angry."

After Paimon's explanation, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, President Mikhail of the Hollows Investigation Association, along with Nicole, Billy, and the others, all turned to look at Cloud Retainer on the rooftop.

They were astonished.

Before meeting her, they had imagined Liyue's Adepti to be like figures out of old mythological films—soaring on clouds, changing forms at will, wielding the power over life and death...

But in reality, she was simply a giant crane?

Though a little disappointed, Zhu Yuan still spoke earnestly, "Apologies, Adeptus Cloud Retainer. We just arrived in Liyue and meant no offense."

Cloud Retainer's gaze swept over Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Sam Li, and the others.

Her eyes lingered briefly on Sam Li before she said coolly, "It matters not. Since you are new to Liyue, I will let this pass."

Then she turned her gaze to Keqing and the Traveler. "I heard you visited a mysterious domain some days ago. I hadn't expected you to return with so many companions. It seems that place was not barren after all. Interesting. Will you tell me what you saw there?"

At that, Paimon immediately agreed. "Of course! Let's start from when we first arrived in New Eridu—"

But before she could continue, Cloud Retainer interrupted. "Not here. This is a crowded market, full of prying ears. It is no place for such talk. Come with me to another location."

Keqing nodded right away. "As the Adeptus wishes."

Originally, Keqing had planned to take everyone to the Jade Chamber first and only afterward to seek out the Adepti on the mountains. She hadn't expected to run into Cloud Retainer here.

Better to seize this opportunity and let the delegation from New Eridu witness the power of an Adeptus.

As Cloud Retainer took flight into the sky, Keqing was about to lead the others after her—when her voice rang down from above:

"No need to rush. Finish your meal first. Once you are done, come find me. I will wait at the usual place."

Keqing frowned in confusion. "The usual place?"

Where was that?

Whenever she had sought Cloud Retainer before, she had always gone to Mount Aozang. They had never arranged any other meeting point.

Beside her, Paimon tilted her head thoughtfully. "Could she mean... that place?"

Keqing asked, "Which place?"

Paimon replied seriously, "Halfway up Mount Tianheng. I've seen Cloud Retainer there several times."

Keqing nodded. "Very well. We'll head there once we finish."

Everyone had already eaten their fill.

Now, after this encounter, no one was in the mood to continue eating anyway.

Nekomata couldn't help but urge, "Let's not keep that... that Retainer waiting. Let's hurry to the meeting spot."

Paimon corrected her, "It's Cloud Retainer."

The Traveler said calmly, "Then let's go now."

After settling the bill, they followed Paimon and the Traveler toward Mount Tianheng.

By now, the sun had completely set.

Thankfully, the moon was full and bright, lighting the road ahead.

Still, when they passed a shop, Keqing bought a lantern for extra light.

Before long, under the guidance of the Traveler and Paimon, they reached a slope halfway up Mount Tianheng.

From here, one could see all of Liyue Harbor spread out below.

Unfortunately, it was nighttime—so only the twinkling lights of the city were visible, not its scenery.

At that moment, Zhu Yuan frowned. "Did the Adeptus truly mean this place? Why isn't she here?"

Paimon glanced around. "Let's try over there..."

Suddenly, a shout came from ahead. "There's someone over there!"

It was Nekomata's voice.

Everyone rushed forward—and sure enough, they spotted a lone figure in the night.

Though her face was hard to make out, Paimon recognized her instantly.

It was Cloud Retainer—or rather, by another name: Xianyun.

At that moment, Nekomata summoned her courage and stepped forward. "Miss, have you seen an immortal bird named Cloud Retainer—no, I mean, an Adeptus?"

At those words, Xianyun gave a cold snort. "It has been but a moment, and already you fail to recognize me?"

Hearing that familiar voice, Nekomata jumped in fright, while Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, and the others all froze in shock.

The same voice as the crane from earlier.

Which meant... the beautiful woman before them was the very same Cloud Retainer—transformed into human form.

A bird, turning into a person?

They knew Adepti could change shape, but wasn't that just something out of old films?

In that instant, as they gazed at Xianyun, the scientific worldview they had held since childhood shattered. For a moment, they simply could not believe it.

Carefully, Nekomata asked, "Um... are you really that immortal bird from just now?"