Chapter Text
“Xiao”
Green light flared briefly as the Adeptus answered the summon. Zhongli stood firm amidst the warm glow that adorned Liuye’s Lantern Rite sky, illuminating the harbor brighter than ever. He made no move to speak, seemingly unbothered while he took in the view.
Xiao rose from his crouched position and waited patiently. As far as he understood, Zhongli only called him in times of need. Yet, after the revival of Zibai, he doubted anything could truly warrant concern. His senses rendered the present moment as peaceful and they seldom led him astray.
“This night is especially radiant, what do you think Xiao?” Zhongli spoke, breaking the silence.
“…It is,” Xiao responded shortly.
Zhongli paused, weighing words with intent, as he gently steered the conversation towards his objective, “I believe the other Adepti remain upon Mt. Aocang, still embroiled under the topic of “mint plantation” that Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper attempted to scheme.”
“I believe so too.”
“On such a fine night, I too would choose to spend mine, only differently, by listening to Iron Tongue Tian whilst I sip on the finest cup of tea.”
“…”
Was I summoned for a simple chat? Though if that’s the case, Xiao wouldn’t necessarily be surprised. With how casual Zhongli grew as of late, indulging in mortal endeavours, Xiao knew this was just another of them. Although he was only beginning to understand, Zhongli’s frequent visits to Wangshu Inn had aided his grasp of human ways.
“What would you do Xiao?” Zhongli suddenly asked.
Xiao contemplated. He never truly celebrated Lantern Rite. Even when the other Yakshas were around, he’d more than often get dragged into their amusements than choosing to partake by his own will.
“I’d spend it in Wangshu, watching the moonlight if it were peaceful.”
“Ah, a fine choice indeed,” Zhongli paused again, deciding to push further, “Do you make a habit of it every year?”
“I guess.”
“Hm.. but if my memory serves, you joined us for dinner once.”
Xiao sighed, “That was Hu Tao’s doing, I didn’t voluntarily decide it. She came to Wangshu and wouldn’t stop calling me out.”
“Is that so?” Zhongli replied mildly, “Then perhaps this year, why not do things differently as well?”
If Xiao was confused before, he was definitely bewildered now. What did Zhongli mean by that? What, exactly, was he planning? He knew mortals spent the night in many ways besides releasing lanterns, though he never imagined himself taking part in any of them.
“What do you mean, differently, Zhongli?”
“If you are otherwise unoccupied, perhaps you would accompany me for a brief walk through the harbor,” Zhongli replied, offering a gentle invitation.
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Xiao dislikes crowds, but he wasn’t one to outright refuse his former archon. Other than that, he trusted Morax enough to know that he never harbors any ill intent towards him. Stiffly, Xiao walked just behind him, absentmindedly wondering why his god had brought him here.
“What has the traveler told you of Zibai’s revival?”
Xiao pondered at the unexpected question, recalling various matters but nothing interesting in particular. “Not much. Just about the three selves and her… unstabilized mentality.”
Processing, Zhongli responded, “Ah, I see. In truth, it took a considerable amount of effort to reunite Zibai’s three selves. Curiously, two of three had been sealed within an artifact, all of which awakened with the birth of the new moon.”
“I take it you dealt with them?”
“Indeed. I had to offer a contract, which inevitably required the traveler’s assistance as well.”
“At least she’s alive, even if it’ll take some time for her to adjust her three selves,” Xiao commented, knowing Zibai was one of Zhongli’s oldest companions, far before himself.
Smoothly shifting the subject, Zhongli extended another invitation, “Might you be interested in visiting the exhibition where I acquired those artifacts? While nothing of comparable value, I believe there are still pieces we might appreciate.”
Well, it wouldn’t be the first time Zhongli offered to view antiques. It was one of the man’s niche hobbies and Xiao had sat through multiple lectures about their history. In his perspective, it was only another form of respect towards Rex Lapis; thus, he agreed.
“Sure.”
Wordlessly, Zhongli took a turn, descending down steep stairs towards Lantern Rite’s main attractions. The exhibition was held on a boat and they required the staff’s assistance boarding it.
Following closely behind, Xiao didn’t think much of it. Due to the traveler’s constant nagging for celebrating lantern rite, he had developed better resistance towards staying in crowds. Though he’d rather spend it in tranquility, he doesn’t find this intolerable either.
***
The ship was well-lit, with Xiao lanterns hung on all corners of the exhibition. Numerous tables exhibit a diversity of artifacts, some like vases or jade relics, while others like paintings made from ancient materials. Many pieces remained on display even late into Lantern Rite, as most visitors found them too expensive to purchase and bring home. Regardless, Zhongli walked ahead, leading Xiao to ones he found historically intriguing.
“This one is quite the masterpiece, primarily made with mulberry silk that’s rare in the modern craftsmanship of Liuye. A painting of Zhanzhu, the Moon-Devourer, which we now know as Zibai. It’s …”
Zhongli continued his chatter, reciting a whole millenia worth of knowledge in this one-man conversation. It was natural between them, Xiao hardly conversed in such moments. Nevertheless, Zhongli seemed to enjoy himself, going on endlessly like a well-read man.
Anyhow, Xiao listened attentively, curious to gain more knowledge about his nation’s past. Although he was also an immortal, he never cared to take on hobbies like other Adepti. Because of that, he wasn’t experienced in anything other than battle and found Zhongli’s lectures quite refreshing, actually.
“If I may be candid, in truth, this isn’t the original piece. Rather, it is a meticulous recreation, crafted by hands skilled enough to mirror the authentic work."
‘Impressive’, Xiao thought. He wouldn’t recognize that. The painting laid in front was made with exquisite material, one he understood was difficult to obtain based on Zhongli’s words. It was logical that only the best people in artistry, who also had to be educated in exploration and the history of Liuye, would be able to craft it.
With that in mind, he raised the question, “And who may that be?”
“Let us say,” Zhongli began thoughtfully, “the creator had first-hand knowledge of the subject.”
Xiao immediately clocked it- ah, it was Zhongli. The thought made sense to him, as Zhongli was skilled in a variety of things, many of which were necessary during his time as Rex Lapis. Painting was just another one of them, a hobby he practiced for the act of gift-giving.
The thought remained with Xiao, as Zhongli resumed his measured commentary. They continued at an unhurried pace, pausing before unique antiques. While some held strong artistic value, others had much historical ones. Xiao listened without complaint, seemingly unbothered by the length of Zhongli’s explanations. Around them, the murmurs of visitors ebbed, and the evening stretched on.
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Surprisingly, the Harbor still thrummed with life when they returned. Many stalls called out for visitors, offering them numerous games and delicacies with the goal of making sales in this prosperous evening.
Just as Xiao assumed Zhongli was finished for the evening, he was about to excuse himself and teleport away. Yet, Zhongli extended another invitation, seemingly adamant on making Xiao experience this Lantern Rite right.
Sensing Xiao’s next words, Zhongli rushed to his, “Xiao? Might I persuade you to stay a little longer? The night is still young and the Harbor offers no shortage of pleasantries."
Perhaps it’s because he has nothing better to do, but he also can’t deny the part of him that’s curious. With company, and a reason to, he didn’t see why he would decline. Hence, he nodded and Zhongli led him to the 2nd attraction of that night.