"Moon Carver mentioned Wangshu Inn," said Roxas. "He said to seek out a 'Guardian Yaksha.'"

"Are you sure we'll find an Adeptus here?" said Paimon. "Compared to Jueyun Karst, this place seems a little...basic."

"Maybe the innkeeper knows a little more," Roxas suggested.

He and Paimon went to see the innkeeper, who was also the owner of Wangshu Inn. Roxas glanced at the small plaque that displayed her name: Verr Goldet.

"Hm? Oh, welcome to Wangshu Inn," said Verr Goldet. "Did you need something?"

"Ever heard of a...Guardian Yaksha?" Roxas asked. "I was told I could find him here."

"Hm...oh, you mean Xiao," said Verr Goldet. "You can usually find him on the balcony, but he's...particular. The only way to get him to reveal himself is to make his favorite food, along with whatever it is you're best at cooking. The latter is entirely up to you. Heh, it could probably be a bowl of cereal. But his favorite food is the important one. It's Almond Tofu."

"I...don't know if I can make that," said Roxas.

"Just ask the chef, Yanxiao," Verr Goldet informed him. "Well, everyone calls him 'Smiley Yanxiao'. He's really burly and somewhat intimidating, but he's probably the nicest guy I know. Just ask him to make the Almond Tofu for you. He'll know why."

Roxas nodded. "Gotcha."

"Are you Yanxiao?"

A very muscular man with black hair turned from the shelf of ingredients, greeting Roxas with a warm smile. "Oh, hey! Boss sent you?"

Roxas nodded. "If you don't mind, could you whip up some Almond Tofu? She said you'd know why."

"Ah, yep, I know alright," said Smiley Yanxiao. "Gimme a few minutes to get it ready for you. I'll let you borrow the stove when you're done. After all, you need both the tofu and a dish of your own to get him to appear, right?"

"That's what the boss lady said," Paimon affirmed.

"And here it is! My best Almond Tofu." Smiley Yanxiao handed Roxas a plate of steaming tofu. "Kitchen's all yours."

Roxas nodded, getting to work by throwing some raw chicken into a skillet on the stove. He'd ordered this dish from Good Hunter before, and now it was time he tried his hand at making it himself.

To Roxas's surprise, his attempt at replicating Good Hunter's Northern Smoked Chicken resulted in a rousing success. "How the heck do I have so many lucky streaks in the kitchen?" Roxas mused.

"Oh, a fan of Mondstadt food, eh?" said Smiley Yanxiao.

"There's a restaurant called Good Hunter in Mondstadt," replied Roxas. "I tried to recreate the food I usually order there. Northern Smoked Chicken."

"Sounds tasty," said Smiley Yanxiao. "Well, go do what you've gotta do. Don't let me keep ya."

Roxas found the balcony with Almond Tofu and Northern Smoked Chicken in hand. "Where is he?"

"Um...Xiao?" said Paimon. "We brought your favorite food."

Roxas decided to wait a little, setting the plates down on a nearby table. "Hey, check out that view."

"It's beautiful..."

Suddenly, a voice.

"To the untrained eye...not everything is as it appears."

Roxas turned to see a young man with green hair standing near him on the balcony.

Xiao met Roxas's gaze. "You brought a Sigil of Permission. Someone came prepared."

"And dinner." Roxas gestured to the Almond Tofu and Northern Smoked Chicken.

"Oh...you definitely came prepared," said Xiao.

"Roxas, quick! Tell him what happened before he finishes eating!" Paimon exclaimed.

"How...How could this be?" Xiao sounded not depressed, but confused. "I...I just can't imagine it. Times have changed, yes, but it's hard to think about Liyue without thinking of Rex Lapis. The Qixing...could they have something to do with this?" Xiao sighed. "You've informed the other Adepti?"

Roxas nodded.

"Then I'll meet up with them," said Xiao. "It's time they made their decisions."

"So...what are the Adepti gonna do?" asked Roxas. "Are they gonna interrogate the Qixing? Fill in for Rex Lapis? What's their plan?"

"I can't say for sure, but we Adepti do not turn on our obligations," said Xiao. "I have my reasons for...avoiding the mortal realm...but I suppose duty calls. Ours is a god of contracts, after all."

"One more question," said Roxas. "Heartless, Unversed, Nobodies. Those names ring any bells?"

Xiao thought for a moment. "Possibly. I've been encountering strange monsters recently, bearing emblems. One is a black heart with two red lines, and the other is also heart-shaped."

"Does the second one have three prongs coming out of one end?"

Xiao shook his head. "No."

"Then that means you've seen the Heartless and the Unversed," said Roxas. "Can't say the same for Nobodies, though. Well, I'll be out of your hair."

"Ah, finally," said Childe as Roxas returned to Northland Bank. "How was Jueyun Karst?"

"Man, you should've seen the views," Roxas gushed. "Beautiful, just beautiful. But here's what happened..."

Roxas gave Childe a quick play-by-play of his day.

"Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, Conqueror of Demons..." Childe thought for a moment. "Those haven't come up in any Fatui intel. Interesting. Anyway, since you've returned, here's a little information for you. Considering the Archon's death, the response of the Qixing got me thinking...they announced that until the killer is found, they're not allowing anyone to pay their respects to the Exuvia. They even tried to cut off the flow of information, but with all the turmoil, they couldn't really keep a lid on things."

"The heck is an Exuvia?" said Roxas. "Sounds like something from a card game." That was oddly specific, he thought.

"Rex Lapis is himself an Adeptus," replied Childe. "And the Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, known as the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti. The Adepti of today all signed contracts long ago to protect the land."

"That's why they were all so focused on Liyue's well-being," Paimon realized.

"Naturally," said Childe. "And they're perfect for the job. Also, if the Qixing were to become unable to perform their duty properly, the Adepti are allowed to step in and take...corrective action. But the Geo Archon's spirit has risen, so why would they hide his vessel...? Suspicious, isn't it?"

"They did it. I'm calling it right now. They did it."

"Whoa, let's not get too hasty," Childe chided.

"Oh, wait!" Paimon interjected. "Speaking of which, the Geo Archon's the whole reason we came here."

"Oh?" said Childe. "And why is that?"

"Classified," answered Roxas. "I'd have to kill you if I told you."

"Right answer," Childe mused. "You're good at this sort of thing. A knight getting duped by the Fatui isn't really a knight at all, is he? But...I can help you with that, too."

"What do you mean?" asked Paimon.

"Mhm," said Childe. "Just give me a little time. I need to speak to someone. Someone that'll help you break through this stalemate." Childe turned away, seemingly talking to himself. "Fascinating. The more they try to silence the situation, the greater the chaos that erupts...anyway. Roxas, if you wanna see things go down, stay alive until tomorrow at lunchtime, yeah?"

Roxas nodded.

"I'm looking for Childe. Where is he?"

The next day, Roxas had gone back to the Northland Bank to meet Childe, only to find the ginger Harbinger (Har-ginger?) absent. The former Nobody had reluctantly gone inside to ask the bank's receptionist where he'd gone.

"Ah, you're Childe's friend," said the woman at the counter. "Congratulations on the first day of your illustrious career with the Fatui."

Roxas gritted his teeth, summoning Oblivion and pointing it at her. "Say it like that again and I'll have your head on the tip of my Keyblade. I wouldn't be caught dead joining your ranks. Heck, I didn't even want to come in here. Childe's the only one of your kind I even remotely like. And before you ask, no, I don't consider him a friend."

"Whoa, getting a little...overzealous, are we?" the receptionist chided. "Remember, we are all mere mortals in the end - our ideas are fluid, much like water. Only the will of the Tsaritsa is one as solid as permafrost."

The Tsaritsa's body won't be so solid when I'm done with her, Roxas thought, wishing he could march to Snezhnaya and gut their Archon like a fish.

"Back to the matter at hand," said the receptionist. "Childe has upheld his end of your...agreement with him. He's found someone to break your little stalemate. The Harbingers do not like breaking promises, you know."

"I'll give him that. But that'll be the only good thing I give him. Now tell me where he is. And make it snappy. I don't know how much longer I can stand being in this nightmare of a place."

"He's at Liuli Pavilion," replied the receptionist.

"Got it. I'd say see you later, but there won't be a 'later.'"

Roxas left and didn't plan on returning anytime soon.

"Ah, there you are!" Childe smiled upon seeing him. "As promised, I found someone who can help you out. He can solve the mystery of why the Qixing would hide the Exuvia. He's here now, in fact."

"So, we're gonna meet him?" asked Roxas.

"Absolutely," replied Childe. "He's a good friend of mine. Follow me, I'll introduce you and we can have lunch. I took the liberty of setting up a business meal, as per Liyue custom."

The two ushers outside of Liuli Pavilion greeted Childe. "Welcome back, sir. Mister Zhongli is waiting for you in the room you booked."

"Good, thank you." Childe led Roxas and Paimon inside.

A well-dressed man with black hair sat at a table in a private dining room. Childe went in first. "Hi."

The well-dressed man noticed Childe and spoke with a rather deep (almost fatherly) voice. "Ah, hello. You brought them with you?"

Childe nodded. "Come on, guys."

Roxas and Paimon entered the room. Childe gestured for Roxas to have a seat. "It's usually considered polite to take your coat off here," he said, "but you don't have to."

Roxas kept it on.

"Anyway," said Childe, "Roxas, this is Mister Zhongli, consultant of an organization called Wangsheng. A trusted associate of the Fatui."

"Associate?" Roxas eyed Zhongli.

"Yes," replied Childe. "Wangsheng's line of work can be...a bit sensitive. Let's just say they understand when discretion is necessary. And the Fatui have always been glad to do business with those who know how to walk among shadows."

"It is an honor to meet you, Roxas," said Zhongli. "I have heard of your work in Mondstadt."

Roxas whispered to Paimon, "Five hundred Mora says this guy's a hitman."

"Oh? A hitman? And what might you mean?" asked Zhongli.

"Oh, jeez, didn't think you heard me there," said Roxas. "Um...okay, I'll be blunt: the way Childe described your...line of work made it sound like you're some kind of assassin."

Zhongli laughed. "I assure you, I am no hired killer. However...Wangsheng does deal in death."

"What's that supposed to mean?" said Paimon. "Also, Roxas, I think you owe me some cash."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll give it to you later," said Roxas. "But...Zhongli...lemme try and guess...a morgue?"

"Hm...close enough," said Zhongli. "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor organizes burials to ensure that the dead may be honored, and pass on in peace."

"Ah, okay, that's way better than what I was afraid of," Roxas mused.

"Haha, oddly enough, I don't think this is the first time Mister Zhongli's been mistaken for an assassin," Childe laughed. "The Fatui call many such people friends, but Wangsheng Funeral Parlor doesn't really involve itself in that sort of thing. Well, not ostensibly, anyway. But, in any case, I brought you to meet Mister Zhongli because..." Childe silently prompted the man in question to continue.

"Because I can bring you to see Rex Lapis's vessel," said Zhongli.

"Wait, can you?"

"Don't be so surprised," said Childe. "Sure, his body's been yoinked by order of the Tianquan Ningguang...well, we should hear what Mister Zhongli has to say first."

"Rex Lapis may be the Prime of Adepti...but he is an Adeptus all the same," said Zhongli. "Adepti, though powerful and divine, are not immortal. Many an Adeptus has passed on over the years. It is entirely normal. Times have changed...surely you felt it in Jueyun Karst."

Roxas nodded. "The Adepti weren't really clued in on what was happening. Heh, they didn't even know Rex Lapis had been killed until I told them."

"As you have seen," said Zhongli, "the era of the Adepti is coming to a close, and the era of mankind is dawning. In the past, it was Liyueren tradition to hold a grand memorial service to mark the passing of each and every Adeptus...but this time, the Qixing have made no effort whatsoever to respect this tradition. It is...sacrilegious."

"I mean, in their defense, they've got a murder mystery to solve."

"Yeah," said Paimon. "The killer still hasn't been caught."

"Murder or not," said Zhongli, "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's concern is as follows: if the ritual to receive this god is so...kingly, then it is egregious for his final send-off to go completely unattended to. Roxas, Childe has told me...a lot about you. Since you have had dealings with the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, would you be willing to help me prepare the Geo Archon's last rites?"

"I'll help you," replied Roxas. "I...I know what it's like to lose someone important...that someone was no god, though...it was a close friend of mine. I never really got to say goodbye to her, but we'll make sure everyone has their chance to give Rex Lapis one final farewell."

"A wise decision," Childe commended. "Tianquan Ningguang has forbidden access to Rex Lapis's vessel, the Exuvia. Of course, you'll need to access it if you're planning on finding all seven Archons."

"Precisely," Zhongli added. "Only by participating in this Rite of Parting will you be able to gaze upon the form of Rex Lapis before he passes on."

"I mean, I know I don't have a choice," said Roxas, "but even if I did, I'd still do it. And not just to get to the Exuvia. Someone as important to Liyue as Rex Lapis should go out with a proper send-off."

"I could not agree more," said Zhongli. "Come, then. We will discuss the finer details as we walk through the city."

"Go with him," said Childe. "I'll stay here and...maybe have a few more drinks. And try and figure out these chopsticks in the meantime."

"Tell me, Roxas," said Zhongli. "Now that you've experienced the land of the absentee Archon, how does it feel to know that our Archon and the Adepti are walking among Liyue?"

"Are you trying to ask me whether I prefer Liyue or Mondstadt?"

"...To put it simply, yes."

Roxas thought for a moment. "On one hand, I'd say Liyue. Stunning architecture, surprisingly friendly locals, and don't even get me started on those mountains. Easily the best views I've ever seen."

Zhongli smiled. "We are in agreement on the mountains, then. Sometimes I venture out into Huaguang Stone Forest and simply bask in the cold mountain air. But what of the proverbial other hand?"

"On the other hand..." Roxas sighed. "There's...someone in Mondstadt. Someone I...feel things for. When I'm around her...I have this...feeling inside my heart. I'm...I don't know what it is...but it's the best thing I've ever felt...heh, even just talking about her makes me feel like she's right next to me, and we're having dinner atop the cathedral while watching the sunset."

"I am...surprised you have not thought of this possibility," said Zhongli, "but, Roxas, I believe you are...in love with this person."

"O-Oh..." Roxas found himself blushing. "I mean...it's a feeling I've never felt before, so...I wouldn't have known. After all...I didn't always-" He stopped himself.

"Did not always what?" asked Zhongli.

"N-Never mind. Anyway, let's get to work, huh? I wanna learn more about Liyue."

"Very well," said Zhongli. "And organizing the Rite of Parting should prove enlightening. After all, thousands of years of history lie in Liyue. So too does prosperity. Because of that, the Fatui have failed any...diplomatic maneuvers. Aside from the establishment of the Northland Bank, but it helps in benefiting the nation's economy. Even so, Ningguang of the Qixing has always been wary of the Fatui. That is likely why Childe wants to make use of the...connections possessed by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"But what would he gain from us doing this whole Rite of Parting thing anyway?" asked Paimon.

Zhongli shrugged. "I do not know, and truthfully, I do not really care. The Fatui are merely financial backing, as far as I am concerned. I am only focused on making sure Liyueren tradition is not forgotten." He handed Roxas a pouch of Mora. "These are the advance funds Childe provided us. If you run out, do not worry. I am sure he will not mind providing more."

Roxas's eyes widened. "The amount of sea-salt ice cream I could buy with this stuff...!"

"Unfortunately, we will not be spending this on desserts," said Zhongli, "though I must say, sea-salt ice cream...sounds interesting. Regardless, the first step is to find a piece of Noctilucous Jade fit for a deity."

"Ah, welcome to the Jade Mystery, my good friends!" A merchant with a plump belly and a cheerful smile waved to his customers. "Care to try your luck betting on jade? It could be your lucky day! It's cheap, it's fun, and you might just strike it rich!"

"Oh, we're not here to bet," said Roxas. "We're here for Nocto...Noctur..."

"Noctilucous Jade," Zhongli finished. "Your finest, please. Radiant grade, at the very least."

"Radiant grade, you say?" The merchant was surprised. "Alright then, sir. Here, I have some Radiant-grade Noctilucous Jade for your perusal." He reached behind the table and pulled out a case, revealing three shining pieces of blue rock.

Isn't jade green? Roxas thought. He decided not to question it.

"The Jade Mystery is an old name in the jade business," said the merchant. "Just take a look at this right here. It's not often Rex Lapis blesses us with such fine specimens. Go on, pick whichever one you like."

"You definitely wouldn't find these by digging around in a cave," Roxas mused.

"But which one should we pick?" said Paimon. "Should we just grab one and go?"

"I mean, it'd be kinda weird to take the word of a guy who makes a living from people betting on chunks of rock," Roxas whispered to make sure the merchant wouldn't hear. "Hey, Mister Zhongli, what do you make of this? You seem like the expert here."

"Oh, you want me to decide? Very well," said Zhongli. "My answer is simple." He turned to the merchant. "I'll take all three."

"Oh! All three!?" The merchant was overjoyed. "You act with such panache, good sir! I had an inkling you were a man of no ordinary caliber!"

"Wait, wait! That one doesn't count!" Roxas groaned. "At this rate, we'll have to go crawling back to Childe for more money."

"Mister Zhongli, we only need one for the Rite of Parting," said Paimon. "We'd be wasting Mora if we bought all three."

"Ah, yes...Mora." Zhongli thought for a moment. "I seem to have forgotten to consider that aspect of the transaction."

"How the heck do you do that!?" Paimon was shocked and confused. "That's the whole reason Childe gave us his entire life savings! This stuff is gonna be expensive!"

"If one always considers Mora before acting," said Zhongli, "then by all means one is bound by that Mora. In other words, all Mora is currency, but not all currency is Mora."

Roxas sighed. "Here it comes, the guy with the big money is gonna give us a lecture on economics. Such are the hobbies of the rich, Paimon."

"Oh, I have no desire to bore you with financial lectures," Zhongli assured them. "I wish to prepare the Rite of Parting, after all. Though...perhaps a discussion about...another topic I am fond of would be enlightening. But that will have to wait. There is a way we can...work around this dilemma. We will simply evaluate the Noctilucous Jade ourselves. It is no easy task, as there is little difference between good and bad Noctilucous Jade in its crude state. It is only after it is made into an item that you will be able to see if it was truly up to par. And if you return to those crafty merchants, they'll tell you that your crafting bench is faulty, or something of that sort."

"Talk about getting scammed," Roxas mused.

"Fret not, my friend," said Zhongli. "There is a way to evaluate the Jade now. And I happen to be acquainted with it. As a wise man once said, 'A fool sees the pointed finger and misses the moon.'"

"Paimon doesn't follow."

"I think I know what you mean," said Roxas. "A fool - someone less observant - only sees that, 'Hey, check out this idiot just pointing up at the sky.' But someone more observant would realize he's pointing at the moon."

"That is exactly my point," said Zhongli. "The patterns, the facade - these are the proverbial finger. Noctilucous Jade is a stone associated with divinity, used to light up the darkness. Its brightness is what determines its quality - it is the proverbial moon. Noctilucous Jade of superior quality will have superior Pyro affinity - that is, the brighter and bluer it shines when exposed to heat, the better its quality."

"So what you're saying is we've gotta take those fancy blue rocks and set them on fire?"

"That is...a rather exaggerated way of putting it..." Zhongli almost seemed to laugh. "But a rather amusing one, I must say. Regardless, I have imparted a precious secret of the jade industry to you, Roxas. Now we shall put that secret into practice."

"Shame we'll never be able to use this stuff again," said Roxas. "It'd make a great gift for my friends back home."

"Perhaps if you can find some Noctilucous Jade and evaluate it with the technique we will use," said Zhongli, "you might be able to take it home for your friends."

"We're back to buy some rocks," said Paimon. "But we need to light them on fire first."

"She means we need to expose them to heat," Roxas added.

"B-Burn them!?" said the merchant. "W-With all due respect, valued customers, if you were to do so, what would I have to sell?"

"Can we get some small samples then?" Roxas suggested.

"That...Ah, well, okay. As you wish." The merchant sighed. "I'll cut a small piece from all three. I can take a small loss...we'll call it a friendly gesture."

"Don't worry, I know the rules," said Zhongli. "So long as we can prove it is of sufficient quality, you will receive your payment with interest."

The merchant got to work, carving small slivers of jade from each of the rocks and handing them to Zhongli. "Take these," he said. "I tagged them, so you can tell which is which."

"I could snap them in half by looking at them the wrong way," said Roxas. "But...I mean, good carving, I'll give him that."

The merchant laughed. "Ah, I'm flattered. But I have to be gentle with these rocks. The only things more precious to me are my wife and children. It would have killed me inside to take off even the slightest bit more."

"Well, fair enough." Roxas shrugged. "They're important to you. I can understand that."

"But stuff this thin is gonna go poof!" said Paimon.

"Do not worry," said Zhongli. "We will just need to make a...minor adjustment to our original plan. While we apply high temperature with Pyro, Hydro can enforce the Noctilucous Jade from within, ensuring it stays intact."

"So instead of frying them, we're boiling them," Roxas simplified.

"...Yes." Zhongli smiled. "I find your...simplifications...amusing."

"Oh, sir, to think you're this learned..." said the merchant. "It's not often I get a customer such as yourself. Thank you for your understanding."

"Strictly speaking," said Zhongli, "requesting samples when we have paid nothing is...unfair. Fairness dictates all of Liyue's trade. Now, we require a suitable location for our...experiment."

"Hey, Paimon, remember Xiangling?" said Roxas. "She said she runs Wanmin Restaurant, right? Maybe she'd let us borrow her kitchen."

"Unfortunately, that would not do," said Zhongli. "Kitchens are filled with the hustle and bustle of people...especially that of Wanmin Restaurant. If the elemental reactions were to go haywire...we cannot take such a risk."

"Wait, Paimon remembers something!" the faerie interjected. "Roxas, remember the other day when you were doing Commissions with Noelle in Mondstadt? You two went to Dadaupa Gorge to clear out a camp of Hilichurls, and they had this massive cooking pot! It seemed super sturdy, so it should be able to handle the reactions."

"Ah, okay, good thinking," said Roxas. "Let's take those samples and break ankles." Thank you, Venti, for teaching me how to rhyme.

"Many a moon has passed since I last set foot here, in the nation of wind," Zhongli mused as he and Roxas trekked towards Dadaupa Gorge under a cloud-blanketed sky. "I have a friend who hails from Mondstadt. He would always bring me fresh Dandelion Wine whenever he would visit me. It must be said that Mondstadt's Dandelion Wine is much better in taste than the frigid Snake Wine of Sumeru."

"Hey, there's the pot!" said Paimon. "Luckily, the Hilichurls aren't here at the moment."

"Yeah, because Noelle and I kicked their butts, remember?" Roxas pointed out.

"Oh, yeah, you did do that," replied Paimon. "Look, there's still some leftover soup in here. Man, those Hilichurls have got some appetites."

"Tasty as it looks, we've got rock to boil."

Roxas deposited each of the tagged samples into the simmering pot of broth. "Can you try to remember which is which?" he asked Paimon. "Mister Zhongli said that the brighter and bluer the jade, the better it is."

"Seems like the pot's not hot enough," said Paimon. "Try using that fire spell of yours on it."

Roxas nodded. "Triple Firaga!"

Oblivion appeared in his right hand, casting a trio of fireballs at the base of the pot. The fire beneath intensified, causing the stew to start boiling even further.

One of the jade slices began to glow. "That's the first one!" said Paimon. "It's...not really that bright..."

Rain suddenly began to fall. Roxas sighed. "Really? Now!?"

"Worry not," said Zhongli. "A little rainfall shouldn't affect our experiment."

BGM: Future Masters - Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

"But those things will!" Paimon's shrill voice alerted Roxas to a horde of unwanted company.

"Unversed!" Oathkeeper appeared in Roxas's left hand. "Paimon, Mister Zhongli, keep watching the jade and tell me which one glows brightest! I'll keep these things distracted!"

"Right!" said Paimon.

"You needn't underestimate me, young key-bearer," said Zhongli, readying an ornate spear. "Vortex Vanquisher has seen many a battle."

"Then let's work together!"

"Very well, Roxas. Now...show me what you are capable of."

Roxas cleaved through several Unversed with Oathkeeper and Oblivion. "Think you can keep up?"

Zhongli smirked. "I believe I do."

The old funeral consultant unleashed powerful spear techniques - ones Roxas never would've thought of. Zhongli was somehow capable of kicking Vortex Vanquisher out in front of him as it spun like a propeller, sweeping down swaths of Unversed.

"The second one's glowing now!" Paimon shouted over the sounds of battle. "It's a bit brighter than the first!"

"If the third one's brighter, then that's the one!" shouted Roxas. "If not, the second one is the best!"

"Got it!"

One of the stronger Unversed - a type called a Wild Bruiser, reared an arm thick as a tree trunk.

Zhongli gasped, running to Roxas's aid. "Solidify!"

A pillar of cleanly cut Geo rock sprang up from the ground. The Wild Bruiser was hit directly in between its small legs, flying into the air. Roxas seized the opening and finished it off.

"That was a signature technique of mine." He crushed a lesser Unversed to the ground with Vortex Vanquisher. "I call it Dominus Lapidis. Impressive, is it not?"

"It just saved my life, so it's pretty cool in my book." Roxas twirled his Keyblades like batons. "But try and top this one!"

Roxas leaped into the air. In bursts of white light, three-pronged half-heart emblems appeared, flying forward and cutting down the still-appearing Unversed as their lasers burned through the air.

"Come on!"

Remaining in the air, Roxas's power lit up the rain clouds as though the sun were shining. A salvo of alabaster meteors blasted the last remaining Unversed to bits.

End BGM

Zhongli applauded. "Well done, Roxas. In all those I have seen in battle, your martial prowess is truly among the greatest. Admittedly, I'm a little glad the Qixing and the Millileth are unaware of your strength...after all, they might see you as one with the power to assassinate a god. But...a question. Those monsters...I believe you called them 'Unversed'...what are they?"

"Long story short, Unversed are born from negative emotions," said Roxas. "But...unfortunately, if the person whose emotions resulted in the creation of an Unversed is still experiencing those feelings...the Unversed can reappear."

"I see," said Zhongli. "So the Unversed you and I fought here will reappear some time later?"

"Somewhere," replied Roxas. "And possibly in different forms. But, anyway, let's check on that jade."

He and Zhongli went to the pot where Paimon sat closely, watching the Noctilucious Jade boil. She pointed to one of the specimens. "That one there! It's so bright!"

"Which one did it come from?" asked Roxas.

"The third," Paimon said confidently. "Paimon didn't take her eyes off of them for one second, so Paimon is sure she's right!"

"I trust your judgement, Paimon," said Zhongli. "Now, let us head back to Liyue Harbor and purchase our jade, shall we?"

"Ah, the third one, then?" said the jade merchant. "Understood! Here it is." He handed them a few ornate boxes containing the finest of Noctilucous Jade specimens. "Um...pardon me for asking, but why do you need top-quality Noctilucous Jade? And why so much of it?"

Zhongli thought for a moment. "Hm, I suppose letting you know wouldn't hurt. We need them to make implements for the Rite of Parting."

"Rite of..." The merchant was shocked. "Oh, dear...I'd heard the rumors...but if this is for the Rite of Parting, then Rex Lapis truly is..." He sighed. "It's...hard to believe. Even with the recent decline of the Jade Mystery, we have always enjoyed his protection. A-And it is said that, two hundred years ago, our lord lost his way while incognito in the city. And it was a spoon from the Jade Mystery that he used to enjoy the local delights...but...Alas, all things must pass...well, if this is being used to say farewell to Rex Lapis, I will be more than glad to sell it to you at half the price."

"You didn't even wanna give us an inch of your stuff before," said Roxas. "And now you're cutting down the price that much?"

"Well, if not for our lord's protection, the city wouldn't exist as it does now," replied the merchant. No proprietor could earn money off of such a thing."

"Aw, Paimon is sure Rex Lapis will feel your sentiment," Paimon assured him.

"In the hands of the Liyue Qixing and good, honest merchants such as yourself," said Zhongli, "I believe Liyue will continue to prosper as if Rex Lapis never left us."

"So don't go moping around just yet," Roxas finished.

The merchant wiped away a tear. "Alright...thank you, my friends. Hah, what's with me, getting all sentimental like this? I'll probably be giving away my entire fortune at this rate."

"Speaking of money," said Roxas, "how much would this cover?"

He handed off the entirety of Childe's advance funding.

"It's enough for just over half price," said the merchant.

"You may keep the change," said Zhongli. "Think of it as interest for allowing us to use your wares for our little experiment."

"Understood. Thank you, my friends."

"It's settled, then," said Zhongli. "Let us take this Noctilucous Jade to Yujing Terrace. That is where the Rite will be held."

Roxas sighed. "And we've also gotta go crawling back to Childe for more cash."

"Hm...we must indeed," said Zhongli. "I shall keep that in mind."

"We can leave the jade here," said Zhongli. "I have hired a jewelsmith to shape it into the tools we will need. And...I believe I forgot to see Childe again."

Roxas sighed again. "Fingers crossed he's willing to cough up a few more Mora. And it's not like we can really do anything else until we pay that jewelsmith."

"Isn't this where the Rite of Descension happened?" asked Paimon. "Isn't it a little strange for us to be at the crime scene?"

"Well, the Qixing have acquiesced to using the same venue," replied Zhongli.

"And by being here, Paimon and I are practically saying, 'Here we are! Come arrest us!'" Roxas thought for a moment. "But...then again, I haven't seen a single Millileth try to catch us since we got back from Jueyun Karst. Something's not adding up here..."

"Oh, and the Exuvia," said Paimon. "Was it hidden away by the Qixing? I mean, the killer hasn't even been caught yet."

"It is possible that they have someone in mind already," replied Zhongli. "Or perhaps they already know...surely all the evidence that was here has been found and secured."

"Still...it feels a little too convenient," said Roxas.

"Such are the concerns of the authorities at Yujing Terrace," said Zhongli. "Not for us. By trying to help, we would succeed in naught but hindering them. Until the Rite of Parting is ready to be conducted, the Exuvia will be kept in the Golden House. It is the only mint in Liyue - which is to say, the only one in the world. Every bit of Mora you spend and earn was created there."

Paimon's eyes widened. "Wow...!"

Roxas narrowed his gaze at her. "You better not be thinking about doing something stupid."

Paimon promptly changed the subject. "But why do you know that, Mister Zhongli?"

"Since the Rite of Parting has approval from the Qixing," said Zhongli, "it is a semi-official event. As such, some...limited information is already available."

"So the Qixing provide the venue, and Childe keeps us stocked on cash..." Roxas pondered. "Something's not right. One of them has ulterior motives. And I have a feeling I know who."