(Liyue)

Somewhere in the mountains of Liyue, a portal to the Sea of Quanta opened up. Someone stepped out to reveal none other than the princess herself, Princess Zhuge Kongming. She had an Anemo Vision.

Kongming: I'm finally here in Teyvat.

(Wangshu Inn)

Aether, Paimon, Captain, Fu Hua, Book of Fuxi, Jingwai's Wings, Sakura, Higokumaru, and I were in Liyue.

Fu Hua wanted to go to Liyue for something but she hasn't said anything yet. That is until we noticed some hilichurls.

Paimon: Hey, Guys... Is it just Paimon, or is there something weird about those hilichurls over there?

Fu Hua: Some kind of dark energy is coming off of them.

Aether: They do give off a sinister energy.

Paimon: Paimon thinks so too. We've seen plenty of hilichurls before, and they're always the bad guys... but this is different.

Paimon: Uh-oh, this is right by the Wangshu Inn, too. The guests are in great danger!
Paimon: Now that we've seen it, if we don't do anything about it, Paimon will feel really guilty... Let's go take care of them, Guys!

Everyone: Right!

We drew our weapons and engaged the hilichurls. Surprisingly they were a lot more tougher.

Captain: Something is very wrong. These hilichurls are a lot stronger than...

Captain got hit and got knocked back. Jingwai's Wings healed him.

Book of Fuxi: I better do my thing!

Book of Fuxi boosted Fu Hua's, Sakura's, and my Pyro damage up then we unleashed a simultaneous Pyro attack and took out a lot of hilichurls.

Sakura brought out tons of Talismans.

Sakura: Evil spirits! Be gone!

Then she scatters her Talismans around and when they hit the Hilichurls, the dark energy disappears then we finished them off.

Paimon: These super evil hilichurls are more difficult to defeat than the usual kind, too.

Fu Hua: The dark energy must have made them stronger.

Sakura: But were still no match for us or my talismans.

Paimon: Hey, seems like people are gathering over there... Wonder what they're doing?

The man wearing the mask made a talisman appear out of nowhere then used it in the hilichurls which made them run away.

Paimon: Whoa, see that guy in the mask? He—He scared off all the hilichurls!

Aether: Could he be an adeptus?

Paimon: Oh, you mean like Xiao? Now that you mention it, this guy's mask is kinda similar to the one he wears...

Fu Hua: Are there other adepti that resemble humans?

Paimon: But the magic he was using seemed even more adeptus-y than Xiao's. Shall we go say hi?

Fu Hua: I think we should. I need some answers.

We began to go up to the man.

Male Believer: ...Is indeed divine!

Mercantile Believer: ...Adepti arts in action!

Female Believer: ...As powerful as ever.

Paimon: Ahem. Hello! Allow us to introduce ourselves, this—

???: Please, if you're here to thank me, there's no need. Cleansing the world of evil is the duty of the adepti. Think nothing of it — I certainly don't.

The sound of his voice made me freeze.

Patrick in mind: Is he voiced by Patrick Seitz?!

???: ...Wait, who are you? One had assumed you were followers, but on closer inspection it seems that we have not met.

Aether: We are just travelers passing by.
Paimon: My name's Paimon! And these are my sidekicks, Aether, Patrick, Book of Fuxi, Jingwai's Wings, Sakura, Higokumaru, and...

???: And Fu Hua, the Celestial Empyrea. I know who you are Sage.

Fu Hua: Yeah... Actually Paimon and the ELFs are our sidekicks.

???: One sees. One, too, shall introduce oneself, for it is good manners to comply.

???: Then it is right that our paths coincide. I, too, shall introduce myself, for with good manners to comply. Ahem... The one before you is the adeptus, Master of Stars, though one is better known to one's followers as "Starsnatcher."

Fu Hua: Never heard of you.

Starsnatcher: One descended from one's mountain abode to cleanse the world of evil, whereupon fate saw fit that our paths should cross. Now... tell me that which you wish for.

Paimon: Our wishes? Paimon thought that the adepti in Liyue were just really good in battle... You mean you can grant people's wishes, too?

Starsnatcher: Hah... There are different levels of adepti... Are not the stars loftier than the mountains, clouds, and moon?

Sakura: They can be.

Starsnatcher: Yet, it is unbecoming of an adepti to boast of one's powers. One would have you first speak to one's followers, and only then make your verdict.

Starsnatcher pointed at his followers.

Starsnatcher: Chat with them as you please. One will not beat one's own drum — the words of others shall ring truer.

Patrick: Might as well speak to them.

We spoke to the believers then after getting answers we spoke to Starsnatcher again.

Starsnatcher: What do you think? One's adherents may exaggerate a little, but they speak from the heart.

Aether: From their imaginations, I'd say...

Starsnatcher: Haha, surely you must jest. There was once a senior adeptus, Xue Wuliang, known to the people as "Liangzi." He said this: "All things are connected. That which mortals call 'imagination' is merely the bridge betwixt the spiritual and the material."

Question marks appeared above our heads.

Starsnatcher: In other words, their wishes are already on the path of transitioning into reality. Does this make things clearer?

Paimon: Ahh... Nope, it makes them way more complicated... But basically, what you're saying is that their wishes can come true, right?

Starsnatcher: Indeed. You are perceptive, my diminutive friend.

Paimon: Okay. Um, so we also have one other question.

Starsnatcher: Oh? You need but ask.

Aether: Why do you wear a mask?

Paimon: Hey! Isn't that a bit inappropriate?

Starsnatcher: Hm. Indeed, it would be inappropriate for one to remove one's mask.

Starsnatcher: One... wanders among mortals, doing good and cleansing evil. One reveals not one's visage to avoid further disturbance to this realm than is necessary.

Paimon: Ah, got it.

Sakura: I hardly wear a mask. Unless if it was for something important in my village where my people have to wear masks for some special occasion.

Starsnatcher: Now then — what are your wishes?

Aether: I want to know where my sibling is.

Starsnatcher: Hmm... One senses that a tragic tale lies behind this wish...

Fu Hua: I actually can't think of any wishes to be granted.

Sakura: Neither could I.

Patrick: Things don't appear instantly, so I'll pass too.

The ELFs and Higokumaru decided to pass too.

Captain: A Har...

I punched Captain on the head to silence him.

Patrick: Don't mind him.

Starsnatcher: So be it. This wish is not beyond one's power to grant... But first, one must see some proof of your... faith.

Paimon: ...What's that supposed to mean?

Starsnatcher: The way of the adepti cannot be grasped from words alone. One must seek... the profound truths that lie beyond them... Should you fail to perceive one's hidden meaning, then regrettably, one may lend you no aid.
Paimon: What do we do? Paimon doesn't understand him at all!

Aether: I think he wants us to sweeten the deal...

Paimon: Oh, that's right! Some of those believers mentioned that they had to pay a pretty sum for the adeptus' help, didn't they?

Paimon: Well Paimon's not forking over any Mora, and we don't have anything valuable enough on us...

Paimon: You don't even have a Vision...

Aether: I don't think people put Visions up for sale.

Paimon: Hey! Why don't we make him a tasty snack? No-one can resist the temptation of good food, can they?

Aether: No-one who share your values, for sure...

Fu Hua: I think we should make him something.

Paimon: Yep, a tasty snack is sure to work! Hehehe... Why don't we head over to Wanwen Bookhouse and see if they've got any new recipes in?

Starsnatcher: You need not fret — as long as you evidence your faith, your wishes will be granted.

As we walked away, I whispered to Fh Hua.

Patrick: I think he was voiced by Patrick Seitz. The voice of Dio Brando, Jiren, Franky, Scorpion, Agil, Endeavor, and True Assassin/Hassan of The Cursed Arm.

Fu Hua: I think he was too. He did the English voice of Dio really great with the Uselesses/Mudas, how a monkey can't beat a lion, and The World.

(Liyue Harbor)

As we entered into Liyue Harbor we saw lanterns and decorations decorated all around. Then someone called out to us.

???: I've finally found you!

We turned around and saw a little girl in jade green and white with a fan.

Paimon: Theresa?!

Fu Hua: No. That's not Theresa.

???: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Zhuge Kongming, Princess of Emberya. Actually a former Princess and a former Grand Seeress. I may look like Theresa but I am not her. It's good to see you again. Patrick, Sakura, Fu Hua, and you too Mr. Assassin.

Paimon: Mr. Assassin? Who's that?

Captain: She means me. It's a nickname she gave me.

Paimon: I'm the one who comes up with good nicknames! Why are you called Mr. Assassin.

Kongming: We'll get to that. But first we have a long story to tell.

Patrick: Where do we begin? Zhuge Kongming is from another world in the Sea of Quanta where she ruled over a nation called Emberya. In that world there were alternate versions of the Valkyries. Liliya and Rozaliya summoned me and Captain to that world. 3 countries: Emberya, Jormungond, and Schicksal were fighting for one wish from a giant Golem on a floating island from the water called the Abyssal Alter and apparently when the twins were there they made a wish for temporal resets so they can provide another wish ever time. Every time someone walked into this portal, the time resets again.

Captain: Thats when we came in. One of us had to make a wish to end the time resets. The wish was to cancel Rozaliya's first wish. But then we had no way of getting back home.

Patrick: However, we did find a way to get back home. Then on this island world we met Princess Kongming. And she caused us a lot of trouble.

Captain: Like how she erased my memories and split me apart.

Kongming: I did but it's all in the past.

Captain: Then we were sent back in time in Kongming's home world. Once again there were three nations. Moon Emberya, White Hind, and Camp Masou. We ended up in White Hind where we were tasked with capturing Princess Kongming dead or alive. But our mission was to protect Princess Kongming. We had Tesla-Zero with us to help us protect Princess Kongming.

Patrick: Just when we were out in a forest at night, Captain fell into one of her traps but I didn't and used my power to avoid the trap because I'm not stupid. And that's when we met her. She thought that we were bandits and assassins. I told her my real name but Captain would not tell her his name and she decided to call him Mr. Assassin.

Paimon: Thats why he's called Mr. Assassin?

Kongming: Yes. I thought they were trying to capture me or trying to kill me but after proving their trust to me I accepted them. And I kind of took apart Tesla-Zero by accident as I was curious to see what she was made of.

(Mondstadt)

Tesla-Zero: Achoo!

Tesla: Is something wrong?

Tesla-Zero: Someone is talking about me.

Einstein: It's obvious that someone is talking about you right now.

(Back to Liyue Harbor)

Kongming: As we were saying, during that time I was tasked with defeating three cursed beasts from other worlds. Yama, Amorphous, and Huodou. I already defeated the two but there was still Huodou.

Patrick in mind: I remember when Honkai3rdGuy said that Huodou looked like Entei from Pokémon.

Kongming: Near the end of the journey I didn't want anyone joining me and went to the alter alone to face off against Huodou but that's when my friends and the Rita of my home world came in and saved me. Patrick had his dragon master Toriyama with him and together we fought against the beast of fire with water, ice, and earth attacks and we managed to beat it. Then the Golem appeared and granted my wish for my empire and my subjects to enjoy peace and prosperity forever. The wish made me and Rita immortal.

Captain: Then she kind of figured out that we were from the future. Before going back to our time, Tesla-Zero stayed and fell into a deep sleep.

Kongming: Then we go back to the time before Patrick and Mr. Assassin were summoned. With several techniques and Tesla-Zero, I was the one who summoned Liliya and Rozaliya to my home world.

Patrick: Here's something interesting. After the island adventure, instead of getting sent home with the Valkyries, we were back in her home world. This was before our time travel adventure. Then we were captured along with the alternate version of Theresa too. We were taken to her palace. She had the alternate versions of Fu Hua and Himeko fight to the death which lead to both of them dying and no winner. I was so angry that I breathed out fire from my mouth and burned some of the guards then used my earth power to set myself free and killed a lot of her guards. She had Theresa taken to a cell. I wanted to beat up Kongming but I did not.

Aether: You killed people?!

Kongming: It's not like that! After Patrick killed my guards, I took him and Captain up the stairs to a room where I had them served wine.

Captain: We asked where Rita was then Kongming told us that she was dead. A lot has happened during her thousand years.

We explained as best we could. After we told the reasons, Aether and Paimon understood.

Patrick: Anyway, Kongming drank a poisoned wine to commit suicide for losing a lot of things. That's when she told us about Tesla-Zero and that we had to change the past to fix a lot of things. After traveling back in time a few times, Theresa, Himeko, Fu Hua, and Rita were alive. Then we attended this lantern fair.

Captain: But then disaster struck, several people were out to kill Kongming and set fire on the kingdom. That's when we had to travel back in time a few more times to save Kongming and everyone. But no matter how many times we tried, we kept failing. Until Tesla-Zero finally woke up and told us that the Golem was the one who wanted Kongming gone. The reason was because Kongming was an anomaly for not being in her home world for three years.

Kongming: And thats when I had no choice but to leave my home world. Before leaving, I left Rita a fan belonging to me. And now I live in Mr. Assassin's home world on the Hyperion and in the Sea of Quanta with another version of Rita. And that's the story.

Patrick: As you can see we've also been to other worlds.

Captain: Like Princess Kongming's home world.

Kongming: And I've seen other worlds in the Sea of Quanta.

Paimon: Wow. You have great stories.

Aether: You've fought in a lot of battles and fought against a lot of monsters.

Kongming: I sure did. And I can fight.

Fu Hua: We better get to Wanwen Bookhouse. We'll explain everything to you in the way, Kongming.

(Wanmwen Bookhouse)

Upon arriving at Wanwen Bookhouse now with Kongming, we suddenly saw Starsnatcher there.

Jifang: So you'd like a copy of "Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti"?

Starsnatcher: Yes. Here, and keep the change.

Jifang: Oh, aren't you generous? Thank you for your patronage!
After paying his debts, Starsnatcher departs...

Paimon: Hey, isn't that, um... Starsnapper? What a coincidence, running into him again!

Aether: It's Starsnatcher...

Kongming: Coincidence, or Adeptincidence?

Paimon: Did you hear the name of that book he just bought? Was it... "Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti"?

Fu Hua: I've read it before.

Paimon: Ahh, well anyway, it was definitely a book about the adepti. Why would an adeptus wanna buy a book about himself?

Aether: I always found him fishy...

Fu Hua: So have I.

Paimon: Really? What's so fishy about him?

Aether: Why would an adeptus want people to pay him Mora?

Paimon: Huh, that's a good point... None of the other adepti we've met seemed like they needed anything from anyone.

Fu Hua: And why would he go to this place for a book?

Paimon: Good question. Why?

Everyone: Hmm...

Paimon: Paimon thinks we should check out that book. Maybe we'll find out something about this guy that we can use!

Fu Hua: I think so too.

We went up to Jifang.

Paimon: Hey there. We'd like a copy of "Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti" — do you have one in stock?

Jifang: Huh. Since when did that old chestnut become a best-seller? You're a rare breed of youngster if this is what you like to read... But you should be able to find a copy somewhere on that shelf over there.

We found the book.

Paimon: This is the one! Let's see what it's about, shall we?

Fu Hua opened the book then read it out loud.

A cinematic began and Zhongli told it.

Zhongli: In ancient times, Liyue was a land of misery, where the shadow of evil loomed large.
As slain gods festered, their vengeful wrath cursed the world, manifesting in infernal forms. When demons stirred, miasmas, monsters, and mutations infested the land.
Then, Rex Lapis summoned the yakshas to vanquish the demons.
They swore an oath: "Restore order through slaughter, purge evil through battle, to this, we dedicate our lives."
Eons of bloodshed later, karmic debt weighed upon them, phantom wrath seeping into their broken souls. They went mad with fear, turned on each other, or succumbed to the darkness.
Of the five foremost yakshas, death came to three, while the fourth vanished without a trace.
In the millennia since, one conquerer of demons remains the sole surviving yaksha in the mortal realm. And only on moonlit nights, in the glow from Guyun and in the sound of the dihua flute, is his memory preserved.

Paimon: ... Finished yet?

Fu Hua: Yes.

Paimon: Hehe, Paimon's already done.

Paimon: This book is about the yakshas, a group of adepti who defend Liyue.
Paimon: Hmm, seems like a pretty niche topic. Was there anything that stood out to you?

Aether: About demons...

Paimon: The book says that the wrathful spirits of the gods defeated during the Archon War can sometimes cause plagues, monsters or mutations... All of which sound pretty horrendous. Hey, wait a second... Paimon wonders if... Do you think those super-evil hilichurls we saw earlier were the "mutations" that the book's talking about?

Fu Hua: Maybe they were.

Sakura: They have to have been mutations.

Aether: About karma...

Paimon: The book says that the yakshas, after fighting against the wrath of the gods for thousands of years, became bound by karma. Poisoned by the hateful thoughts of the gods, the yakshas would often descend into indescribable fits of terror, rage, or agony... *sigh* It's so tragic... After everything they went through in all their years of protecting Liyue, they got no reward, and had to deal with so much suffering instead.

Aether: About the sole surviving yaksha...

Paimon: So, there used to be five main yakshas, but supposedly only one of them is still alive today. Do you think that it could have anything to do with that Starsnatcher guy? Hm... No, surely not. He doesn't exactly give off the impression that he's been suffering for thousands of years...

Aether: Nothing else that I can think of...

Fu Hua: That's everything.

Paimon: Yup, Paimon thinks we've already summed up all the key points. So, back to the matter at hand. The things we need answers on are one, where did those super evil-looking hilichurls came from, and two, what does Starsnatcher have to do with the yakshas. Right? Now to head back to where this all started and commence our investigation! Let's part the fog of mystery that hangs over Jueyun Karst, and let the truth shine through in its full glory!

Aether: So we're playing detective now, are we?

Paimon: Ehehe! To be honest, Paimon actually hopes he is a real adeptus. Ah... His exorcism techniques seemed real enough, at least... Hmm, but if we get our hopes up, there's further for them to come down. So it makes sense to investigate thoroughly first, just to be sure! Alright, let's head back to Wangshu Inn!

(Wangshu Inn)

We arrived back at Wangshu Inn where we saw Starsnatcher facing off against hilichurls with dark energy.

Starsnatcher: Flee at my command, foul demon! ...Flee!

However, the talisman he was holding was not working.

Starsnatcher: Wh—Why won't you flee?!

Hilichurl: Beru nye! Beru nya! Beru nyaaaa!!!

Paimon: Uh-oh, looks like Starsnatcher's in trouble!

Paimon: And there are innocent bystanders here, too. We have to step in!

Sakura and Fu Hua rushed in and used two Pyro blasts and blew away the hilichurls then Sakura used her talismans and Fu Hua used her Yin and Yang powers to destroy the hilichurls.

Starsnatcher: I don't get it... Why didn't the Sigil of Permission do anything? Has the evil aura of these hilichurls grown in intensity?

Paimon: Sigil of Permission, huh? Now why does that sound familiar?

Fu Hua: it's what we have and what we needed to speak to the adepti.

Aether: So that's what he was using for his exorcisms...

Paimon: Right! It's a keepsake of the adepti, so it must still contain traces of their power! *gasp* No wonder he was able to scare those monsters away earlier...

Starsnatcher: Wh—What are you babbling on about? One is merely underslept... meaning that one's adeptal power... is not in full flow!

Sakura: Really?

Starsnatcher: Were one but given another opportunity...

Paimon: Well as it happens, there goes another bunch of evil hilichurls over there. Should we leave them to you, then?

Starsnatcher: I—O—One... suddenly feels ill at ease. Surely one has overexpended one's adeptal powers, otherwise, one would surely purge these infernal beings at once...

Paimon: Ugh, so you WERE just bragging after all. We were right to be suspicious!

Fu Hua: Yes... we were suspicious...

Sakura: He was using a Sigil of Permission.

Paimon: Come on, Travelers, looks like it's up to us. Use your Elemental Sight and hunt them down!

We used our Elemental Sight and found the hilichurls. Even Kongming used Elemental Sight.

Fu Hua: Let's go!

Fu Hua took lead and we ran over to where the hilichurls were.

Starsnatcher: One is merely feeling unwell. One hopes that you shall not spread these tidings wantonly...

Male Believer: It's not like the Master of Stars to fail an exorcism — perhaps he isn't feeling well today?

Mercantile Believer: I can't believe that the Master of Stars wasn't powerful enough to defeat those hilichurls...

Female Believer: What happened there? Good thing we had you around, huh...

Upon approaching the hilichurls with the evil aura, they were already slain at Xiao's hands. Xiao was there.

Paimon: Oh, it's that Conqueror of Demons again. No wonder! Paimon was just wondering who could've made such short work of these hilichurls.

Fu Hua: It was always Xiao.

Paimon: Let's see what a real adeptus has to say about all this.

We approached Xiao.

Captain: Hey! Xiao!

Xiao: It's you... I remember you.

Fu Hua: Glad you still remember us.

Xiao: I was purging some living beings that had been tainted by the demonic. It would appear that I have caused you some trouble.

Paimon in mind: Huh? he isn't usually this polite, what's going on...

Paimon: But you were exorcizing demons, how is that causing trouble?

Xiao: That is because the changes that occurred in these monsters stem from me — or more precisely, from the karma I have accumulated.

Paimon: Mutations, karma... Does that mean...

Aether: We read about that in the book...

Fu Hua: With how Xiao is the final yaksha.

Paimon: Yeah. Paimon remembers that Xiao is also called the Vigilant Yaksha, isn't he?

Fu Hua: Yes he is.

Paimon: So... so that means... Aww... *sniff* P—Poor Xiao...

Xiao: ...?

Aether: We read about your past in a book.

Fu Hua: More specifically, "Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti".

Xiao: I see. You must mean that piece of literati fan fiction from a few hundred years ago. Hmph. All things are impermanent, and to exist is to suffer. We yakshas have no need of sympathy or tears. My comrades who have passed on would see your tears as a stain on their legacy.

Paimon: Oh, uh... Paimon's sorry...

Xiao: It matters not. In any case, I am on my way to purge a cavern of demonic influence, so we shall part ways here.

Paimon: W—Wait! Take us with you! We'll be a big help, Paimon promises!
Xiao: No need. I am used to fighting alone, and in any case these mutations originated from me to begin with...

Paimon: Well then... Oh! Consider it Paimon's penance for being accidentally rude just now! ...Please?

Xiao: ...

Fu Hua: Let us help you. I'm way older than you. Do you should let us help you.

Kongming: You stop being a jerk to my friends you jerk! I may look like Theresa but I'm not her. I'm her twin, Zhuge Kongming I am immortal and am over one thousand years old. Please let us help you.

Xiao: ...Come on then.

We followed Xiao.

Paimon: So Xiao... You've been suffering from the bad karma all this time?

Xiao: Suffering is my price to pay for eons of endless slaughter... I have come to accept this.

Fu Hua: I know how that feels. I've been through a lot of bad things like you did.

Kongming: Same here.

Sakura: I was under a curse for 500 years but I was freed from it.

Xiao: But in recent years, other living things have suffered, when the burden should be mine alone to bear... I must reflect on this.

We approached the entrance of the dungeon we were going to enter.

Xiao: Finish your preparations, and we shall enter — we should not leave those monsters be for too long.

Fu Hua: Ok, Xiao.

We entered into the dungeon where it was foggy and there was mist.

Paimon: Ooh, this place gives Paimon goosebumps!

Xiao: I will use the ritual known as the Bane of All Evil to relieve this place of its karma. You must remain calm. Do not allow yourself to be affected by the lingering wrath of bygone gods.

Xiao activated his power then his mask appeared on his face. We went over to the first platform then monsters appeared and Xiao began to fight against them. We had to fight against them too. Kongming brought out her fan and used Anemo attacks on enemies creating air slashes and tornados. Xiao's burst was damaging him. Jingwai's Wings had to use her healing power to heal Xiao.

After clearing the first platform, we went to the next platform.

Paimon: Bane of All Evil... That must be the power you got for being a Vigilant Yaksha, right? Paimon's just realized that you only wear your mask when you're fighting the bad guys. But that Starsnatcher guy wears his mask the rest of the time, too...

Xiao: Starsnatcher? ...I am aware of no adeptus by such a name.
Paimon: So, he IS a fraud!

Fu Hua: Just as we suspected.

Sakura: He is posing as an adeptus.

Higokumaru: Unforgivable!

Paimon: Well! We'll continue this discussion later, you should focus on your battle for now.

We kept on exterminating the monsters in the domain. Then we made it to the end of the dungeon and had all the monsters exterminated.

Xiao: It is good that we came here. An unusual number of living things had fallen under infernal influence. Had we not arrived in good time, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Now. This "Starsnatcher" you speak of. What is the situation?

Paimon: Ooh, Paimon'll tell you!

We told Xiao everything.

Xiao: An adeptus who grants wishes... To think that people could be so easily deceived by such blatant lies...

Paimon: As an adeptus, do you have the power to grant wishes, Xiao?

Fu Hua: And do the other adepti have that power also?

Xiao: The Liyue of yesteryear would never ask the adepti for boons unearned. Millennia ago, the ancestral people of Liyue asked for nothing more than the strength to defend the land they called their home.

Paimon: Ehh... To be honest, an adepti who grants people's wishes is probably more appealing to people nowadays...

Xiao: However feeble people nowadays may be, they are not my concern. I concern myself only with following Rex Lapis' original decree.

Paimon: Whoops... Paimon spoke without thinking again... Oh, ah, one more thing! That fake adeptus has a Sigil of Permission. It's what he uses to exorcise demons!

Xiao: Wait, truly? Hmph. Fool. Exorcizing demons without exterminating them — it is no wonder they have been congregating here. If this continues, things may spiral out of even my control... We must confiscate his Sigil of Permission.

Aether: Confiscate? Is that all?

Fu Hua: No. I think I'd also like to teach him a lesson for posing as an adeptus.

Paimon: Great minds think alike! Paimon agrees, we've gotta show that trickster what you get for trying to fool us! And it just so happens that we've got a real adeptus with us too! If Xiao were to teach Starsnatcher a lesson, you can bet he'll never dare to pose as an adeptus ever again!

Xiao: No. I only slay demons — I do not kill mortals.

Paimon: ...Who said anything about killing him!?

Fu Hua: We didn't say anything about killing mortals.

Sakura: Killing someone is wrong.

Higokumaru: Unless if they are evil.

Xiao: ... It would certainly benefit Liyue if we could convince him to cease his wicked ways.

Book of Fuxi: And how are we going to do that?

Xiao: I possess an art called Dream Trawler. It is normally used to separate the soul from the body, that one might cultivate oneself in a waking dream... But it can also be used to call forth the spirits of others.

Paimon: Whoa, now that's a real adepti art for ya!

Aether: Similar to "gifting dreams and visions"?

Kongming: You'll scare him out of his wits for sure.

Xiao: A ritual must be performed for this art to be used. Assist me in gathering a few items... a censer, seven lamps, and something to reduce the temperature.

Paimon: Reduce the temperature... Oh, some Mist Flowers will probably do, right? But as for the censer and the seven lamps... Hmm... Probably not the kinds of things we're gonna just stumble across in the wild.

Xiao: Do you know of the two yaksha statues that stand guard beside a merchant road on the southern face of Mt. Tianheng?

Fu Hua: I believe I've seen them before.

Xiao: The ancestors of the people of Liyue built shrines there to honor the yakshas. You should still be able to find lie some ceremonial items there. Once you have found them, meet me at the yaksha statues after nightfall, and I will teach you how to use this art.

Fu Hua: We'll do that.

We parted ways with Xiao then we headed to the shrine to get what we needed. Fu Hua knew the way so she took lead.

Paimon: Ooh, this temple will probably have the kinds of censers and lanterns that Xiao wanted us to pick up.

Fu Hua: We know it will.

At the shrine was a man.

Pervases: The spirit soars the mountains high, while the body rests as the world goes by...

Paimon: Um... Sorry to interrupt you, but...

Aether: We'd like to borrow a censer and some lamps.

Pervases: Well I'll be... Isn't that something?

Fu Hua: Yes it is.

Pervases: A group walk into a shrine, neither to seek nor worship gods or adepti, but to pilfer the tools of worship for their own ends. Hahaha...

Paimon: We know it's rude to ask, but we just need them for a short while — honest!

Pervases: For the Dream Trawler ritual, I trust?

Fu Hua: Yes, the Dream Trawler ritual.

Paimon: Wha— How'd you know that?

Pervases: I have been in this shrine for far longer than you would expect. Perhaps as a reward for my faithfulness, I have been endowed with some understanding of the adepti arts.

Paimon: Wow. Paimon's never heard of that happening before.

Pervases: Ah, it matters not. Take what you need. It is a fortuitous thing that these items may be of service to you.

Pervases: ...They served little purpose here, in any case.

Fu Hua: Thank you sir. We'll put them to good use.

We spread out and found the items. First we found the censor then we each found the Seven-Star Lamps.

Paimon: Paimon thinks we've got all the ones we can use now. But let's say bye to that guy before we leave, shall we?

Fu Hua: Yes we should. I'd like to thank him one last time before we go.

However, the man was not there anymore.

Paimon: Huh? Where'd he go!? He was right here...

All of a sudden, a statue began speaking.

Statue: I had presumed that once you had acquired what you came for, you would forget about me and simply be on your way...

Paimon: Ah! It's that guy's voice! ...Hello? Wh—Where are you?

Statue: My physical form ceased to exist over a thousand years ago. What you witnessed earlier was an illusion, created by the adepti art known as Mortal Lingering.

Statue: Now that you have taken the Seven-Star Lamps and censer used in the Mortal Lingering ritual, my form is no longer visible to you.

Aether: So you're...

Book of Fuxi: A—a g—g—ghost?

Statue: Haha... It is not untrue to say this. The line between adepti and ghosts is a fine one indeed.

Statue: I was once a junior in the order of the yakshas, bestowed with the name Pervases by Rex Lapis himself. Yet my strength failed, and I was slain in battle. Today was the anniversary of my death. My last wish was to see a modern Liyue, and so I took the liberty of performing this ritual here. That aside... You were sent here by the Conqueror of Demons, were you not?

Fu Hua: Yes we were.

Patrick: Xiao sent us.

Paimon: So, you two know each other then?

Statue: I sense his aura upon you... that, and the heavy burden of his karma. *sigh* Even after all these millennia, he still must endure such tremendous suffering?
...I am truly ashamed.

Paimon: Don't say that, Pervases — you sacrificed your life for Liyue, didn't you?

Statue: Life is a precious thing, yes... But when I think of the burden that the Conqueror of Demons must bear... *sigh* death seems to me to have been the easy way out. A selfish indulgence, even.

Paimon: Pervases...

Statue: Haha, I apologize. Birthdays are joyful occasions, but by the same token, it is hard to not be melancholy on the anniversary of one's death. The Mortal Lingering will not last much longer. Take care, you two, and please pass on my regards to the Conqueror of Demons...

Fu Hua: We will do that Pervases.

Aether: You take care too, Pervases...

Statue: *sigh* If only I could taste some authentic Grilled Ticker Fish once more... By wave and storm I hunt for fish, by wind and snow I slay evil... ...

Paimon: Huh? Looks like he's gone, then... Paimon really hopes that at least someone will remember Pervases the Yaksha.

Book of Fuxi: If his history was recorded in the books.

Paimon: We should get going. But let's come back here and make an offering sometime.

Fu Hua: We will.

We headed on over to the statues where Xiao was waiting. It was now night by the time we got there.

Xiao: Have you gathered the items for the ritual?

Fu Hua: Yes we have.

We presented the items to Xiao.

Xiao: Hmm... This censer, and these lamps... Their designs are flawless, almost as if they were made specifically for use in the adepti arts. Where did you come by them?

Aether: We got them from a yaksha named Pervases...

Paimon: Oh! And um, he says hi!

Xiao: Pervases... Yes, this does have the hallmarks of something Pervases might do. As I thought, it seems that he could not leave Liyue behind either... I hope that its present state will allow him to rest in peace. Well then, Let us begin preparing for the ritual. Place the censer in the middle, and surround it with the Seven-Star Lamps. Adorn the area with the items of abject cold. Once this is done, we shall proceed.

Fu Hua placed the censor one the middle while the rest of us placed the Seven-Star Lamps around it.

Xiao: Yes, this will do. Now, the next step is the key to performing Dream Trawler...

Xiao: There are four steps to performing this ritual: offering incense, meditation, incantation, and loosing an arrow.

Paimon: Ah... Seems like a real rigmarole.

Xiao: Adepti arts are the product of millennia of study by adepti. Do not dismiss their mystical workings as "rigmarole." Failure to take this seriously could cause the technique to devour one's own body, or cause the spirit to be sundered from one's flesh permanently...

Paimon: Agh! Stop talking! Paimon's sorry!

Xiao: When offering the incense, we place the incense into the censer with reverence for Rex Lapis in our hearts. Meditation is to empty ourselves of trivial thoughts, and to focus on the target of the art we are performing.

Xiao: Then, we shall recite the incantation in a loud voice: "Devayaksha, Bring Forth Sin!" Finally, we will loose an arrow towards each of the yaksha statues to enlist their authority for our contract. If all goes well, Starsnatcher's soul will be brought forth shortly.

Aether: Understood.

Fu Hua: I will do it not as Celestial Empyrea. But as Jingwai/Phoenix.

Fu Hua engulfed herself in flames and changed into her Phoenix outfit and her hair turned white and got shorter.

Paimon: How did you just do that?!

Fu Hua: There is more to me than meets the eye. I can do far more than this.

Sakura: And I'm going to wear this.

Sakura took hold of her mask.

Sakura: Haven't worn this in so long. Back in my village I only wore it during rituals and sacrifices. But now I'm going to put it on again.

Sakura did not hesitate and put her mask on.

Xiao: If you have no other questions, let us begin.

Paimon: Hmm... Well... let's start by offering up incense, shall we? You know, with respect for Rex Lapis and everything...

We began to initiate the ritual. First we offered incense to the censor. Then we mediated.

Paimon: Then we meditate... Ugh, Paimon really doesn't wanna think about that fraud!

Book of Fuxi: Then calm yourself down and don't speak.

Paimon: Ok...

Group: Hmm...

Paimon: Hmm...

Group: Ohh...

Paimon: Ohh...

Ahh... Hmm...

Paimon: Ahh... Hmm...

Group; Devayaksha, Bring Forth Sin!

Paimon: Uh, bring forth sin!

Blue sigils appear on the yaksha statues' waists.

Paimon: It looks like the yaksha statues are glowing at the waist. So we just fire one arrow each at the glowing parts, right?

Fu Hua: Yes.

Fu Hua manifested fire arrows then fired each of them at the glowing areas of the yaksha statues as per the ritual process.

Paimon: We finished the ritual, and we followed all the instructions to the letter!

Kongming: Felt like doing one of my formations to seal the beasts back home.

Xiao: ...Close enough. Leave the rest to me. You get ready to greet him.

After the ritual is completed, the soul of the Starsnatcher appeared before us...

Starsnatcher: Where is one... Huh? You all look familiar.

Starsnatcher: What's with ones body? One feels... light. Weightless!

Aether: We summoned your spirit forth with an adepti art.

Starsnatcher: An adepti art? Hahaha! You dare don the guise of an adeptus in one's presence? But as for the matter of one's present location... One could have sworn that one was dozing off to sleep at Wangshu Inn not a moment ago...

Aether: Guess what? You're already dead.

Starsnatcher: Dead!?

Patrick: Thats right. You're already dead.

I tried to speak like Kenshiro.

Starsnatcher: Impossible! One was just lying in peaceful repose at Wangshu Inn... Wait... that must be it... of course it must! Haha, as expected of an adeptus such as oneself...

Starsnatcher: One must indeed be in a dream!

Paimon: Ugh, there's no helping this guy, is there?

Aether: Oh, you're not dreaming.

Fu Hua: Dreamers, after all, feel no pain when in a dream.

Starsnatcher: Huh? What is the meaning of this? Do you truly think that one will permit such insolence in one's own dreams?

Paimon: ...Alright, time to take him down a peg.

Fu Hua: You don't recognize me but I am the Celestial Empyrea. This is my other form.

Starsnatcher: Impossible! Are you an adeptus?!

Fu Hua: Why don't you figure it out.

Fu Hua engulfed herself in flames then from the flames erupted wings then came out a phoenix entirely made of flames. It roared out.

Sakura: My turn.

Sakura drew out Jizo Mitama then she was also engulfed in flames then from the flames appeared a large nine tailed fox made entirely out of flames like the phoenix. It roared out.

Then I engulfed myself in flames last and from my flames came a dragon made entirely out of fire. It roared out.

Starsnatcher: What is all this?! A phoenix?! A fox?! A dragon?! Argh! Such impertinence! Where are one's followers when one needs them?

Phoenix, fox, and dragon: You have been deceiving the mortals for far too long imposter! Here is your punishment.

Then they breathed fire from their mouths at Starsnatcher.

Starsnatcher: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! So hot!!!! I'm burning!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Then they stopped.

Aether began to beat him up next.

Starsnatcher: Hey, hey! Stop it! Stop it— Ow! What's happening? Is this really not a dream!?

The beasts changed back into Fu Hua, Sakura, and me. Fu Hua was the Celestial Empyrea again and her hair was long again. Sakura took her mask off.

Sakura: Felt nostalgic wearing my mask again. Now let's make him pay.

Sakura did a ninja move and slashed through Starsnatcher. When she sheathed her sword, sparks came off of Starsnatcher.

Starsnatcher: How?!

Fu Hua used her ultimate move Empyrean Sunder on Starsnatcher also.

Starsnatcher: AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Patrick: ORA!

I punched Starsnatcher in the face like I was Jotaro and Star Platinum.

Starsnatcher: P—Please, stop! I surrender, I surrender! Argh...

Aether: So, do you believe us now?

Starsnatcher: Yes! Yes, I do! I thought I was going to die...

Aether: So, are we still going to do this "oneself" song and dance?

Starsnatcher: No—No, no, never again! Y—You almost killed me... How did I ever have the misfortune to meet you all...

Fu Hua: By posing as an adeptus.

Starsnatcher: Please, great adepti, spare my life. I won't do this every again, I swear it...

Paimon: We did call your spirit here, but we're not adepti. He however — is.

We pointed to Xiao.

Xiao: You deceive the masses with quackery, masquerade as an adeptus, exorcise demons without exterminating them, and display a callous lack of regard for life. One day, you will reap that which you have sown... For those who invite the infernal into their lives, there is no redemption!

Starsnatcher: Ah... I... You're...

Paimon: Seems like Xiao's got him scared stiff.

Starsnatcher: O great adeptus... might I ask your name?

Aether: He is the Conquerer of Demons.

Fu Hua: And he is the Vigilant Yaksha.

Starsnatcher: It really is you! It's truly you! Never in my life did I imagine that I might meet the Conqueror of Demons, the Vigilant Yaksha himself!

Paimon: You know about Xiao?

Starsnatcher: Of course! My grandfather was a folklorist — I learned the tales of the Conqueror of Demons at his knee... To this day, I am an avid collector of books concerning the yakshas. But ever since I discovered a Sigil of Permission while rummaging through my grandfather's personal effects... At first, I was just imitating the adepti for fun... but slowly I began to stray further and further from the righteous path...

Paimon: Huh, so to sum you up... you're Xiao's biggest fan?

Starsnatcher: Y—Yes. Thank you for allowing me to witness the Conqueror of Demons in the flesh — it's like a dream come true!

Paimon: Uh, that wasn't quite our intention...

Starsnatcher: O Great Conqueror of Demons, please allow me to swear this oath before you... I swear to turn away from the evil, to live an honest life, and to never again stain from the name of the adepti!

Xiao: I will remember your oath... Now go.

Starsnatcher: Thank you... A thousand thanks for your forgiveness... and for all that you have done for Liyue...

And then his spirit disappeared.

Paimon: He seemed very earnest when he was making that oath there. Guess he won't be tricking anyone anymore.

Paimon: Oh, wait! We haven't gotten the Sigil of Permission back yet. Let's head over to Wangshu Inn first thing tomorrow and look for him!

Fu Hua: We should get some sleep.

(Next Morning)

We went to Wangshu Inn to find Starsnatcher.

Paimon: Hey there, Boss. Starsnatcher's staying here right?

Verr Goldet: Starsnatcher... Hm... You mean the false adeptus who wore a mask?
Verr Goldet: He signed in here under the name Wang Ping'an.

Aether: So a really, really ordinary person after all.

Fu Hua: That is normal.

Verr Goldet: He's already checked out. He said he wished to go on a solo pilgrimage... Ah, yes. He also requested that I give this letter to a group of travelers who journeys together with a "talking fairy" ... should they come asking for him.

Paimon: Talking fairy... Who's that?

Jingwai's Wings: Thats you, Paimon.

Paimon: Oh, that's Paimon.

Verr Goldet: ...Well anyway, you must be the travelers. Here's the letter.

Paimon: How strange that he would leave a letter for us. Is this the final attempt to fool us, maybe?

Fu Hua: Maybe not.

Paimon: Come on, open it! Paimon's curious!

Fu Hua began to read it out loud.

"By the time you read this letter, I will have embarked upon my journey of self-improvement.
I regret that I cannot apologize to the two of you in person, but I hope that you will forgive me.

Since the Conqueror of Demons appeared to me in a dream, I have not slept. My nights have been spent thinking about how I may fulfill my vow.
Not only have I deceived you two, but I have also exploited the hopes and dreams of my believers.
People in dire straits oft become weak, thirsting blindly after something to believe in.
With my lies, I brought them false salvation, while their true desires grew farther and farther away.

I know in that long-gone era, the desires of mankind were not as complicated as they have now become.
The Conqueror of Demons shouldered the desires of Liyue's people as he contended with demons.
Wearing his mask, he concealed the weakness brought by human desire.

As a false adeptus, I am one who always wears a mask.
A true adeptus only need to wear it when facing demons.
If I wear a mask to hide the evil that has corrupted my heart...
Then the Conqueror of Demons wears a mask to hide the part of him that is human.
And yet, he wears the face of a demon king only that he might subdue all demons...

Once I had realized all this, I became deeply aware of my own ugliness, and I understood what it truly means to be an adeptus. I set off on this journey over hill and river, strengthening my body and spirit, not because I harbor any hope of fully atoning for my sins. I do it only to earn the right to be counted among the believers of the adepti.

I have already asked someone to return the money I cheated others of. A few goods remain in my possession, but they are of no use to me on my journey of self-improvement. Please take them. Please take the Sigil of Permission that my grandfather left me as well — I am no longer worthy of it.
I wish that you will be granted that which you desire. May we meet again.

Wang Ping'an, a Sinner."

Paimon: ... Huh, seems like he actually left us a few nice trinkets... Along with... Woohoo! The Sigil of Permission! Paimon hasn't met a bad guy like him in a long time...

Patrick in mind: Or someone like Dio.

Fu Hua: Wang Ping'an has reformed.

Aether: I'm actually quite touched...

Paimon: Yeah... Anyway, let's go take this Sigil of Permission to Xiao, shall we?

We went to. ISO and found him down inside at a table.

Paimon: Ah! There you are. We got the Sigil of Permission back. Do you wanna take it?

Xiao: You have my thanks.

Xiuhua: May I take your order, sir?

Xiao: One Grilled Ticker Fish.

Xiuhua: Certainly, we'll prepare it for you immediately!

Paimon: Huh? No Almond Tofu this time? Well that's not like you.

Book of Fuxi: Thought that Almond Tofu was the only thing you liked.

Xiao: Ticker Fish was Pervases' favorite dish... I just want to... see how it tastes.
Paimon: Huh...

Xiao: By wave and storm I hunt for fish, by wind and snow I slay evil... ... Was there anything else? I... am accustomed to eating alone.

Aether: We'll leave you be then...

Fu Hua: Take care Xiao. May we meet again.

Paimon: Uh huh! And so, Detective Paimon and the trusty Travelers solved the case, and quietly slipped away...

We began to leave.

Xiao: ...

Paimon in mind: Xiao seems a bit lost in his memories... Best we don't disturb him...

We went outside.

Patrick: So, now that another case is solved, are you going to go back to the Sea of Quanta Kongming?

Kongming: Not yet. I'm going to stay here longer. As there is another thing I'm here for.

Paimon: What would that be?

Kongming: I'll tell you later.