Ningguang found herself utterly helpless against the person before her.
Missing the Lantern Rite due to delays was one thing, but to return only to bring up her losses in "Liyue Millennial"... sigh...
In Liyue Harbor, the only one who dared openly tease Ningguang like this was undoubtedly Beidou.
And Ningguang could do nothing about it.
Whether you praised or criticized Beidou, she remained unyielding in her ways.
Even the so-called rules of the Qixing meant nothing to her.
Fines? She'd pay them without hesitation—only to do it again next time.
Bold and unrestrained, that was her style.
Only after Beidou had laughed her fill did she finally get down to business.
"The thunderstorms and tempests beyond Inazuma's waters have grown even fiercer lately. I truly can't fathom what the Raiden Shogun is thinking."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow. "So you missed the Lantern Rite over a bit of rough weather?"
"Tch, listen to you. If it weren't for someone's sake, why would I waste my time like that?"
Beidou produced several confidential documents.
"The situation at Ritou is dire. Foreigners can barely move a step there, let alone venture deeper into Inazuma."
"If not for my Crux Fleet brothers working tirelessly, your little pawns wouldn't have stood a chance."
The documents detailed the affairs of Inazuma's Tri-Commission.
Liyue had publicly declared that Rex Lapis had fallen.
Ningguang needed to gauge how other nations would respond.
Snezhnaya was almost certainly the mastermind behind it all,
which was why she had thoroughly crushed their diplomats in negotiations.
Mondstadt and Fontaine had sent letters of inquiry.
Sumeru remained silent.
But Inazuma was the most peculiar case.
They had been isolated under the Raiden Shogun's storm-wrought lockdown for years.
Yet, it wasn't a complete seclusion—just heavy restrictions.
Without exceptional means, navigating their affairs was nearly impossible.
Only someone like Beidou could still conduct business between the two nations.
Precisely because the lockdown wasn't absolute, leaving some room to maneuver,
Ningguang wanted to know how the Tri-Commission would react to Rex Lapis's demise, so she could prepare accordingly.
She accepted the documents from Beidou.
"From the way you speak, Captain, it seems your brothers volunteered their help. So, about the payment—"
"I never said that. Not a single Mora less."
"...Hmph."
The two then discussed other confidential matters.
After a while,
Ningguang escorted Beidou out of Yuehai Pavilion.
Though Beidou was unyielding in her ways, her work ethic and competence were undeniable.
As a business partner, she was indeed worth Ningguang's personal send-off.
As they reached the entrance,
Beidou turned back. "Sure you won't join me for a drink?"
Ningguang declined. "You know I prefer lighter tastes. Why even ask?"
Her meaning was clear.
Sailors like Beidou, constantly braving storms, needed heavy, spicy food to keep their strength up.
Ningguang's palate couldn't handle it.
Beidou scoffed. "Tch, rich people problems. Later."
The moment she stepped past Yuehai Pavilion's threshold,
a cold, youthful voice called out from her left.
"Captain Beidou of the Crux Fleet?"
Beidou turned.
A handsome, white-haired youth leaned against the wall,
arms crossed over an ornately decorated sword.
His posture, his tone—
it was exactly like the storytellers' tales of assassins accepting contracts.
And worse, the target seemed to be her, Beidou!
The audacity!
Beidou's expression darkened.
Normally, her fiery temper would've had her charging into a fight already.
Kid, have you been listening to too many tales? Trying to act cool here?
A couple of slaps ought to teach you a lesson.
But Beidou didn't move.
Because she couldn't gauge the young man's strength.
She had slain three-headed sea serpents and felled the legendary beast "Haishan."
Against those monsters, she had felt no fear.
Yet this youth radiated an overwhelming pressure.
No—it was more like a whirlpool in the deep sea.
The more she tried to assess him, the deeper she sank.
So much so that Beidou forgot to react...
"Mu Yang?"
Hearing Ningguang's voice behind her snapped Beidou back to reality.
She had nearly been pulled under completely.
This kid was terrifying!
Mu Yang nodded to Ningguang in acknowledgment.
Beidou quickly composed herself, embarrassed by her momentary lapse.
"Mu Yang... I knew it! You're the one who beat her three times, aren't you?"
Mu Yang simply smiled without answering.
Beidou strode over and clapped him on the shoulder,
then gave him a thumbs-up.
"Too bad I wasn't there to see the Tianquan's priceless expression."
Now Beidou felt better. So this was the real deal.
Even Ningguang had been bested in her own domain.
Proving that her earlier daze wasn't due to weakened skills—
but because her opponent was just that strong.
"You..." Ningguang sighed, then turned to Mu Yang.
"And what brings you here this time? Any more 'advice' for me?"
Beidou cut in. "He's here for the Crux Fleet's Captain Beidou. You can head back inside."
Ningguang crossed her arms. "Oh? Then why was the great Captain so stunned earlier?"
"Just momentarily dazzled by the Adeptus's looks, matching the rumors of the one who defeated the Tianquan."
Beidou never backed down from a verbal spar.
"Fine, fine. I won't argue with you today—wouldn't want to delay Mu Yang's business."
"Good call."
Beidou then asked Mu Yang what he needed.
He inquired if he could join her next voyage to Inazuma.
"I've heard only the truly strong can board Captain Beidou's Alcor..."
Beidou didn't deny it.
After all, Inazuma's thunderous storms were the work of a god.
Without considerable power, one wouldn't survive the crossing.
Seizing the chance, Beidou teased Ningguang again.
"An Adeptus's strength is beyond question, right, Tianquan? Hahaha!"
She thumped her chest. "Consider it done!"
"Just call me Mu Yang."
"Got it, keeping the identity low-key. Won't breathe a word to the crew."
With that, Beidou pulled Mu Yang along, bidding Ningguang farewell.
Ningguang watched them leave, shaking her head slightly before returning to her office.
Though she was curious about Mu Yang's reasons for going to Inazuma,
some questions were better left unasked.
Prying would only backfire, potentially souring Mu Yang's impression of her.
A guaranteed loss was a trade Ningguang would never make.
Along the way, Beidou stayed close.
"Mu Yang, can you hold your liquor?"
"Not really."
"No worries! The fleet won't set sail for a few more days. Tonight, we drink till we drop!"
Mu Yang glanced at Beidou beside him.
Her complete lack of personal space…
She truly treated everyone like a sworn brother. Fitting of a fleet's big sis.