Volume 5 – Chapter 61(Two of the Seven Stars of Liyue)

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Author Note:

[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.

{ } = When talking through Telepathy.

' ' = When thinking in your mind.

<<  >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.

--- --- = When describing a certain period of time OR Another place.

** ** = Point Of View i.e., POV

/// /// = In Call

" " = System and when talking to it.

「 」 = Thoughts being heard

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The Jade Chamber is an airborne structure above the skies of Liyue from which the Qixing monitored all the happenings in the region.

It was able to float due to a large chunk of Sunset Vermillionite inside the base. Sunset Vermillionite is a type of large Plaustrite, and the unique floating properties of Plaustrite allows the chamber to hover.

The control compartment of the Jade Chamber is responsible for allowing aerial movement the chamber. By combining Adepti Sigils and Wonder Cores and inserting them into the control compartment, the Jade Chamber can be controlled.

The Jade Chamber holds a tremendous amount of energy within it and is extremely heavy. If it will fall on someone, then due to the combined effects of its great weight with incredible force and the energy within it will trigger a huge and powerful explosion.

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One can see many things useful, expensive and even antiques inside.

Jade Chamber Intel Wall. It was a wall full of business intelligence, densely packed with pages of information pulled from countless sources. There are reams of information here: shipping schedules, profit and loss accounts, warehouse inventories, road safety reports, diplomatic intel... The scope is breath-taking, as is the level of detail, and all the information is up to date. Only the sharpest and most meticulous mind would be able to cut through the clutter and discern the connections between all these disparate strands of information.

Porcelain Antique. A slender-necked, aquamarine-colored porcelain vase. It has a pristine, glossy finish and is clearly a top-of-the-range item. It does not seem to have come from an official kiln. The faint iridescent shine it gives off, somewhat similar to that of mother-of-pearl, would seem to suggest that it has had a long history. On the body of this delicate ornament, there are some words written in bold strokes: "From The Crux"

Neatly Stacked Scrolls. A neatly stacked pile of scrolls. Each sheet of paper is as thin as an insect's wings. One can think of them as calligraphy works.

Scale. "Though mountains be razed and the ground beneath our feet crumble, never may the contract change. For it alone is the bedrock on which Mt. Tianheng stands firm against the tides of ingenious machinations"

Notebook. "...The order for one copy of Customs of Liyue: Receiving God placed two days ago has now been fulfilled, item has been delivered to the Jade Chamber, could Ms. Ningguang kindly confirm all is in order..."

A Potted Plant. The pot contains a very old piece of Plaustrite and a scarred green plant. It's something from the first Jade Chamber.

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---Jade Chamber---

That's what Primis can tell by looking at everything here.

He never expected Ningguang to invite him to Jade Chamber this soon after what was happening to Liyue Harbor, thanks to him.

He planned to decline but when his disciple started looking at him with puppy eyes and said she never saw what was inside this chamber before, Primis agreed.

Hence, currently he was inside the Jade Chamber as his eyes were wandering over everything. While his disciple on the other hand was running from here to there excited like a curious girl.

Primis: So, what is the reason for inviting me in such a 'fancy' place?

He asked without looking back at Ningguang.

Ningguang: Please, be at ease. Make yourself at home.

Primis: I don't have time to play games with you, Girl. State your business or I will leave.

Hearing the way Primis was addressing her, Ningguang lips twitched. She really wanted to say that she was older than him in age.

But when she saw Makoto and Ei who were looking at her, she swallowed her words and showed a smile.

Next, she hurriedly thought of something and spoke.

Ningguang: Mr. Herrscher, I genuinely wanted to welcome you here.

Primis: Why?

Ningguang: As you know that the current situation of Liyue Harbor is not that good.

「 Primis: Of course. Because I am the one responsible for it. 」

Ningguang: ...

Keqing: ...…

A vein appeared on both women forehead but they didn't let themselves controlled by their emotions.

Ignoring Primis thoughts, she continued.

Ningguang: I know that you couple...…. I am sorry which among those sisters are your lover.

The Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing still remembered that when she met them for the first time, Makoto introduced herself as Primis maid.

After later investigation, she came to know that it was really Primis and Makoto who people of the Liyue were talking about. So, Ningguang thought Makoto lied to her. Then she saw Primis and Ei kissing which confused her further since her intel never mentioned about Makoto's twin sister.

This mean that she came just recently. Yet, no one noticed her. This puzzled her even more. Hence, right now she didn't know which one of them was with Primis. Makoto or Ei.

Primis: It doesn't matter. Come to the main point.

Seeing that Primis had no intention of explaining, Ningguang could only sigh inwardly before speaking.

Ningguang: You see, you three have the power to protect yourself in case of any danger. However, it will be a problem for Xiangling if some many people will start looking at her with hatred filled eyes and started throwing things at her once the rumour spread that her restaurant sell Human Meat.

Hearing this, Xiangling who was jumping around stopped and her face turned pale. She realized that because of this, her and her father will suffer a lot in future. And as those people would be just normal civilians, she won't be able to bring herself to hurt them.

Ningguang: So, I thought it will be better if Xiangling can stay here with you. Because of that in case Mr. Herrscher have to leave for something, she will still be safe he----

SHIN!!

ZAP!!

She didn't get the chance to finish before Ei and Makoto moved and pointed their weapon at her.

Ei's polearm was just 0.1mm away from severing her neck while the tip of Makoto's parasol was also 0.1mm away from penetrating her heart.

They were looking at Ningguang with extremely cold eyes. For someone who have lived for so many years, how can they not understand what Ningguang was aiming at.

That was not the only the thing.

No one noticed that Primis shadow now had a shade of purple and a thread of that shadow had already moved from Primis's and connected with Ningguang's.

In case the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing had not stopped at her last word then Satella would have impaled her on countless spikes.

Other people in the Chamber were also shocked because of Ei and Makoto's behaviour. It was too fast for them to even understand or react.

As they were baffled what was going on, they heard Primis thoughts.

「 Primis: So, you want to use Xiangling in order to keep me 'locked' here and also so that you can keep an eye on me all the time. And even if I will leave, you are sure that I will definitely return since my student is here under your 'protection'. In other words, Xiangling can act as some kind of restrain for me and also hostage to you. 」

Ningguang: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The white-haired never expected for Primis to see through her thoughts in an instant. In case someone will provide protection to your loved ones, you started to think that you are in debt with that person and started feeling guilty.

As a result, you asked that person if you can help in some way so that you can repay them. Because of that not only that person gets you who will work for him or her, that person also become certain that you won't betray him or her since you are protecting their loved one. But in truth, your loved one become that person's hostage in a way.

This girl tried to use the same at Primis thinking when the time came, she can ask for something from him since she gave protection to Xiangling by bringing in the Jade Chamber. Too bad, such tricks were child play in Primis eyes as he saw through them easily.

Shenhe, Ganyu, and Xiangling were shocked hearing that Ningguang had such plan for Xiangling and Primis.

Since Ganyu knew Ningguang sharpness when she was doing business, she didn't react much. But Shenhe and Xiangling on the other hand, raised their guards. They now knew that in case they even show a slight weakness, there were high chances that Ningguang could use that in her schemes.

Beads of sweat appeared on Ningguang forehead as she tried her best to show her same signature smile.

Ningguang: M-Mr. Herrscher, can you please a-ask them to lower their weapons?

Primis: I have a feeling that you are being insincere here. They think so too. That's why they took out their weapon.

Ningguang: You must be mistaken. I am sure Xiangling will like it here. There is a big kitchen here. And the ingredients that arrived her are all top-notch and rare. Since Xiangling loves cooking, I am certain she will enjoy herself here.

Hearing this, Xiangling eyes started to twinkle. Saying she was not tempted would be a lie.

Primis: Oh…

Nevertheless, Primis didn't buy it and seemed unimpressed.

Seeing this Ningguang could only bit her lips and ask.

Ningguang: Then how does Mr. Herrscher want me to show her sincerity.

The moment those words left her mouth, the corner of Primis lips rose a little. Seeing this, instead of becoming daze, Ningguang had a bad feeling. She realized that she did a big blunder by saying those words.

Though before she could say anything, Primis didn't give her the opportunity and spoke.

Primis: If you really want to sure your sincerity then its very simple. You see, when we entered the Chamber just now, the guards outside were looking at us with wary and hostility. I won't feel at ease if such guards will be keeping an eye of us every second. I am afraid they will try to attack me or Xiangling in order to release their anger on us.

Keqing: The soldiers of Liyue would do no such thing!

Primis: Silence.

THUD!!

Keqing couldn't react in time before finding herself touching the ground. Everyone in the Jade Chamber were horrified. This was the first time they had heard Primis spoke in such cold tone. Keqing still felt that this was dream.

Primis didn't exclude any aura or pressure. This was his cold stare alone that made her kneel.

Letting her remain like this, Primis returned his attention to Ningguang who was sweating profusely.

She was now regretting her decision of bringing Primis here.

Primis: So, where were we? Oh…I remember. Since I afraid that the soldiers will try to attack me or Xiangling in order to release their anger on us, what I want you is to dismiss all of them from guarding Jade Chamber from now onwards.

Ningguang: Wha----

Primis: Not only them but also dismiss all the servants. From now on, the only one who will stay on the Jade Chamber will be me and my group along with you. Us being here can provide the 'protection' that even all the soldiers in the Liyue can't. What do you say?

Ningguang: But that's...

Primis: Let's add Keqing too. I am sure with her around you will be more at ease.

With this, step-by-step, Primis approached Ningguang.

「 Primis: You want to cage me, don't you? I am sure you would have not expected such reversal... The moment you will accept this, it will be you who will caged here. After all, there will be only you and my group here. This Jade Chamber is some sort of prestige, isn't it? Now how does it feel knowing this place in which you spent blood, sweat, and money to build would someday become a cage that will hold you inside............In case you decline, this means you didn't care about the safety of Xiangling. So, what will you choose Ningguang? 」

Ningguang: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STEP!!

STEP!!

STEP!!

…..

…

Every step of Primis resounded in not only hall but also in Ningguang heart. She knew that she had been thorough defeated.

If she agrees then she and Keqing will both become Primis hostages. Just like Primis thought, it was a reversal. Instead of getting a hostage in her hand, she herself became one along with Keqing.

STEP!!

With the last step, Primis was already in front of her.

Extending his hand, he gently held her face and started caressing it. Yet, as the texture of his glove touch her face, Ningguang felt a chill down her spine.

After a while, he spoke.

Primis: So, what's your answer?

Ningguang: ...............I…understand.

She replied and lowered her head.

With this not only Primis got his hand on two more hostage but now he also had two of the Seven Stars of Liyue. Hence, in a way, more than half of the Liyue Harbor had fallen in his hands.

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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.

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