Genshin, No sad stories

Jiang Chen and Lumine spent the next stretch of their journey in the wilderness.

They were still within Mondstadt's borders.

When they reached Dawn Winery, they didn't bother to stay the night.

After all, Diluc wasn't there, and if they went over, they might get kicked out.

So they decided not to bother.

They simply camped in the wild.

This time, both of them were prepared, so they didn't have to live so roughly.

Instead, they were quite comfortable.

Sometimes, when they were too lazy to set up a tent, they just took out some Hilichurls.

Then they occupied their campsite.

Jiang Chen had no qualms about doing such things.

In fact, Jiang Chen even encountered Abyss Mages several times.

And some of the Abyss Mages managed to escape.

When Jiang Chen encountered the Abyss Mages, he understood.

These were probably sent by Aether.

In other words, Jiang Chen might have already been targeted by Aether.

After all, Jiang Chen was currently traveling with his sister.

It would be strange if Aether didn't keep an eye on him.

However, those Abyss Mages didn't directly attack him or anything.

So Jiang Chen simply ignored them.

They were probably just here to observe?

On the other hand, Lumine, under Paimon's guidance, immediately attacked the Abyss Mages upon seeing them.

As Paimon put it, Abyss Mages were enemies of all.

And the materials they dropped were quite valuable.

Perhaps this was why Lumine didn't hesitate to attack?

Her goal was the materials they dropped?

If Aether knew that his sister was treating his subordinates as material farms, how would he feel?

Maybe he should send more Abyss Mages over to let his sister have some fun?

Although Jiang Chen knew that the Abyss Mages were likely sent by Aether, he didn't pay too much attention to it.

If Aether really wanted to do something to him... well, Aether, you wouldn't want your sister to...

Hmm, this has a bit of an Inazuma flavor to it!

For a long time after that, Jiang Chen and Lumine continued their journey through the wilderness.

However, they finally reached the Stone Gate.

Passing through here would take them into Liyue's territory.

It was also the area with the most remnants of ancient gods.

Looking at the Stone Gate from a distance, it was truly magnificent.

Two massive stone mountains.

They had to pass through the valley between the two mountains.

Then they would walk along a very dangerous mountain path.

This was also an important passage between Liyue and Mondstadt.

If someone were to blow this place up, it would be equivalent to declaring war on both nations.

Because destroying this place would disrupt trade between the two countries.

Everyone would have to take a detour through Dragonspine.

But that path was even more difficult to traverse, and the weather was harsher.

"Wow!"

"This place is so grand."

As they passed through the Stone Gate and were about to enter Liyue, Paimon sped ahead.

She looked at the scenery in front of her and cheered.

In front of her was Guili Plains.

It just so happened that the sun was setting.

From here, they could see the entire landscape of Guili Plains.

The view was simply breathtaking.

Jiang Chen and Lumine, following behind, soon saw this beautiful scene as well.

"So beautiful!"

Lumine also praised it.

After walking such a long distance, seeing such a beautiful sight was worth it.

"Let's find an inn down there to stay for the night."

"We'll set off again tomorrow."

"After passing through Guili Plains, we'll reach Wangshu Inn."

There was an inn at the Stone Gate, so they could rest well tonight.

Because this was a trade checkpoint between the two nations and was close to Qingce Village,

There were quite a few small shops here at the Stone Gate.

Hearing Jiang Chen's arrangement, Lumine nodded.

She had no objections.

Jiang Chen could handle the arrangements.

After deciding, they headed down to find an inn.

Because trade between the two regions had resumed, the shops at the Stone Gate were quite lively.

If Jiang Chen and the others had arrived any later, there might not have been any rooms left.

Fortunately, they were lucky, and there were still available rooms.

Jiang Chen and Lumine each took a room and settled in.

After washing up in their rooms, they went downstairs to eat.

Here, you could enjoy both Mondstadt and Liyue cuisine.

Jiang Chen and Lumine had already tried Mondstadt dishes.

Now that they were in Liyue, it was natural to sample Liyue's cuisine.

"One serving of Stir-Fried Filet, Mora Meat, Golden Shrimp Balls, Tofu Pudding, Almond Tofu, and Triple-Layered Consommé."

Jiang Chen ordered several dishes in one go.

This made the waiter pause.

"Sir, if it's just for three people, you don't need to order so many dishes."

"If you can't finish them, it'll be a waste of food."

"We don't encourage that."

"If you just want to try a bit of everything, there's no need. You'll have plenty of chances to taste Liyue's cuisine in the future."

"For three people, ordering three dishes is enough."

Hearing the waiter's reminder, Jiang Chen smiled.

"It's fine."

"We have someone here who can finish it all."

"Just serve the dishes. There won't be any waste."

Worried about waste? There was no need to worry.

With Paimon, the glutton, around, food would never go to waste.

Seeing Jiang Chen's confidence, the waiter gave the three of them a doubtful look.

Really?

But after thinking about it, he didn't say anything more. If the guest said they could finish it, then he would just have the kitchen prepare the dishes.

After noting down Jiang Chen's order, he went to inform the kitchen.

Paimon, meanwhile, looked around at the dishes already served to other tables.

She couldn't wait.

She wished the food would be served immediately.

So she could start eating.

All the dishes Jiang Chen had ordered were ones she had never tried before.

So she was very excited.

"Why isn't the food here yet?"

Paimon looked toward the kitchen, growing impatient.

Why was it taking so long?

"I know you're eager, but don't be too hasty."

"Even if you're in a hurry, it won't help."

"The kitchen hasn't finished preparing yet."

Jiang Chen rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Paimon was always like this.

Every time they ordered food at a restaurant, she wished the dishes would be served instantly.

As if she would starve to death if she ate even a second later.

"Hehe!"

"I just want to try Liyue's cuisine."

"That's why I'm in a hurry."

Paimon scratched her head sheepishly.

Liyue's cuisine—she wondered what it would taste like.

Just the aroma wafting from the kitchen was enough to make her mouth water.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen and Lumine couldn't help but roll their eyes.

This girl was just a glutton.

However, the kitchen didn't disappoint Paimon.

Soon, the dishes Jiang Chen had ordered were served.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen also asked for several bowls of rice.

Liyue's dishes were quite similar to the food from Jiang Chen's previous world.

Looking at the familiar yet slightly different dishes, Jiang Chen's appetite was whetted.

During his time in Mondstadt, the food he had eaten was also quite good.

But it always felt like something was missing.

Now, seeing Liyue's cuisine, he finally felt a sense of familiarity.

His stomach growled immediately.

This was probably similar to the feeling of craving home-cooked food while abroad, right?