### Chapter 14: The Return of the Crux Fleet
"Since this is for Qiqi, I need to change my approach."
Gu Sanqiu tightened his headband, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then slowly activated his Vision.
The dark golden gemstone glowed faintly, outlining the vague image of a dragon's head within, exuding an intangible sense of power.
"Um, ancestors, Rex Lapis, I mean no disrespect. Really, this is just a small experiment to explore new avenues for Liyue's future development."
"The power from the extreme northern winters, the ice crystals from the high heavens, heed my command and gather here."
The dark golden Vision trembled violently, and a wisp of ice crystal, as delicate as a willow in the wind, appeared out of thin air and quietly floated into the small bowl Gu Sanqiu had prepared.
"This should be fine, right?"
Though many in the Xuanmen could control both fire and ice with their own power, gods typically didn't care too much. However, Gu Sanqiu had used his Vision as a medium to cast a spell of a completely different element, a much bolder move.
But when no meteors crashed down on his head, Gu Sanqiu felt emboldened. Whether or not Zhongli had noticed, at least he was safe for now.
"Hmm, I should probably avoid such risky behavior in the future."
He retrieved the cooked noodles, poured half of the ice crystals into the bowl, and skillfully stirred the mixture. The ice crystals turned into a thin mist that melded into the noodles, while the other half was poured into the soup pot.
"Hmm, using elemental powers for cooking might become very popular. It certainly simplifies the process and reduces costs."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. Aside from Xiangling, there probably weren't many chefs with Visions, but there were certainly many food enthusiasts. Wanmin Restaurant had certainly diversified its offerings.
"Little Guzi, food."
"Here you go, Ancestor. Today's special dish: chilled giant leg chicken with bone broth jelly noodles."
Too bad there's no crit rate or crit damage bonus.
Gu Sanqiu plastered a big smile on his face as he handed the bowl of noodles to Qiqi, who stood beside him.
Qiqi ate with an elegance uncommon for her age, slowly and without expression, making it hard for Gu Sanqiu to gauge her reaction.
"Not bad, delicious."
Qiqi tiptoed and placed her bowl and chopsticks on the small cart, then looked at Gu Sanqiu, as if hesitating.
Gu Sanqiu grinned, then slowly squatted down, moving his head closer to Qiqi.
"Good boy, little Guzi. Thank you."
Qiqi, satisfied, patted Gu Sanqiu's head through his headband and then turned towards Bubu Pharmacy.
Gu Sanqiu pulled off his headband, a hint of elemental energy flashing in his eyes as several tiny rock-element mice scattered in various directions.
"No one's following, and no strange creatures either. Looks like she really just came to deliver candy to the orphanage this time. No one dared to make a move."
"Sanqiu!"
Hu Tao appeared from a rooftop, waving her hat at Gu Sanqiu.
"The Crux Fleet is back! How about coming with me to check out some fun stuff?"
The Crux Fleet is back?
Gu Sanqiu was momentarily surprised, then nodded. "Sure, let me put away the cart first."
"Hehe, I'll wait for you at Wanmin Restaurant."
Hu Tao disappeared quickly, while Gu Sanqiu pushed his ramen cart to a secluded spot, extended his finger, and activated his golden finger.
A black hole appeared, and the cart turned into a pure white light and was absorbed into it. Vaguely, Gu Sanqiu saw an ordinary-looking man smiling at him.
**Item obtained: Three Soul Fruit**
**Source: Underworld**
**Note: A fruit that nourishes the soul on the levels of essence, energy, and spirit. It's rare in the living world but common in the underworld.**
"Okay, as expected."
The fruit looked like a gray, ashy ball, but it was something Gu Sanqiu had long desired.
Since realizing his golden finger was practically an "ingredient supplier," Gu Sanqiu had wondered if the cart had a similar function.
Yes, it did.
The Crux Fleet, led by Captain Beidou, was a force to be reckoned with, often bringing unique goods from distant lands.
Every time the fleet returned, the harbor transformed into a bustling market, something the authorities didn't always appreciate.
Beidou, with her bold personality, would set up stalls on the spot, turning the dock into a massive market.
Given her reputation and the allure of her goods, no one tried to stop this disruption of public order and dock operations.
Merchants were more interested in profit than in maintaining order. The Qixing could worry about security; merchants cared about making money.
This was Hu Tao's goal. For the head of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, who sought to expand its services, this was a rare opportunity to learn about the outside world.
Or rather, it was an excuse to slack off openly.
"Sanqiu, our head is penniless today. It's up to you to pay and appraise the goods!"
(*^▽^)
(╬￣皿￣)
"Hey, who goes shopping without money? How thick-skinned can you get?"
"Going out with such a beautiful girl and fussing over money, where does this rigid thinking come from?"
(＿＿)ノ｜Wall
It wasn't his fault, but why did he feel so defeated?
His own logic was being turned against him, almost giving him a heart attack.
"If we need to appraise goods, why not get Zhongli, your knowledgeable consultant?"
"No, that would be shopping with an elder."
Hu Tao made a funny face, "Besides, if we take him along, I won't be able to pay for all the stuff he buys when he gets interested."
That last part was the real reason!