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Lin Feng swiftly descended from the snow-capped mountains and entered Liyue's territory. Not long after, he encountered the Treasure Hoarders.
"Hahaha... Let's make this big!" Several Treasure Hoarders surrounded Lin Feng, laughing menacingly.
Instantly, Lin Feng drew his one-handed sword, vigilantly eyeing them.
The Treasure Hoarders charged towards Lin Feng, but just as he was about to endure the pain of renting a Vision, a figure stepped in front of him.
"Rainstorm Slash!" Xingqiu exclaimed, raising his sword to shield Lin Feng. Despite his immense wealth, his true passion lay in upholding justice.
"Leave!" The Treasure Hoarders recognized Xingqiu immediately, given the prestigious reputation of Feiyun Commerce Guild in Liyue. Even they had to show respect.
"Thank you!" Lin Feng hastily expressed his gratitude, watching the departing Treasure Hoarders with a plan forming in his mind - for he believed in repaying every slight!
"You're welcome. Be more cautious on your journey next time!" Xingqiu nodded, preparing to depart. This was the way of great heroes, discreetly vanishing without seeking recognition!
"Hey, wait! Where is the young hero heading?" Lin Feng quickly called out to Xingqiu, concerned about encountering Treasure Hoarders ahead.
"Young hero?" Xingqiu's face lit up with delight at this flattering title.
"What can I do for you?" He turned around, exuding a cool demeanor—a classic portrayal of a great hero from storybooks.
"Cough, cough, the path ahead seems treacherous. Could I request the young hero's escort for a while? I'll compensate you accordingly!" Lin Feng glanced at Xingqiu and cleared his throat.
"I was actually..." Xingqiu began, intending to mention his search for Teacher Calx. His illustrations were truly exceptional.
If Teacher Calx could contribute artwork to his book "A Legend of Sword," it might gain newfound popularity!
Seeing Xingqiu about to decline, Lin Feng swiftly took charge, clasping his hands and showering praise upon him: "Young hero, your commanding presence, sharp brows, and star-like eyes reveal an extraordinary character... You clearly embody the spirit of a true hero! Allow me to express my gratitude in advance!"
"This..." Xingqiu rubbed his head, blushing deeply. Such compliments made it hard for him to refuse Lin Feng.
"Is this great hero heading to Mondstadt? My name is Lin Feng; I'm from there myself, currently visiting Liyue for business!" Lin Feng continued walking alongside Xingqiu.
"Yes, my journey aims to find Teacher Bai E!" Xingqiu nodded, not hiding his intentions as he walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Lin Feng.
"Oh, you mean Teacher Bai E, the illustrator? I happen to know him well!" Lin Feng smiled, thinking immediately of Albedo.
"You do?" Xingqiu's face lit up with surprise. Although Wanwen Bookhouse had frequent interactions with Teacher Bai E, he himself had never met him personally.
"Absolutely!" Lin Feng grinned without elaborating, fearing that if Xingqiu ditched him to go bond with Albedo, he'd be left high and dry!
As they chatted casually, a caravan bearing the words "Flying Clouds" appeared ahead. Xingqiu brightened, realizing he wouldn't need to take a detour—instead, he could directly hand off Lin Feng to their family's merchant guild.
"Wait!" Xingqiu promptly called out to the caravan, leading Lin Feng towards it.
The leader recognized Xingqiu instantly, being the second young master of the Flight Trading Company. Interestingly, Xingqiu showed no interest in Mora, claiming it carried a distasteful metallic odor.
What exactly is Mora? It's something created by Morax, the Emperor of Rock, Rex Lapis himself. Claiming that Mora has a foul odor would imply that Rex Lapis reeks as well.
As a result, Xingqiu was arrested by the Millelith for insulting Rex Lapis. Fortunately, his father spared no expense and hired Liyue's most renowned legal expert, Yanfei.
Yanfei successfully secured Xingqiu's release with the argument, "Words alone should not lead to punishment." However, this incident did impact the Feiyun Commerce Guild, causing sales of many products to decline significantly.
Xingqiu's father became overwhelmed with worry. Upon recommendations from others, he sought out a master of ancient culture studies - Zhongli, a guest scholar at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He requested Zhongli's assistance by offering to settle Mr. Zhongli's outstanding debt with the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
Zhongli then cited an anecdote involving Azhdaha, the Dragon King, where despite being insulted, Rex Lapis refrained from imposing any punishment. He urged everyone to remain rational. Additionally, Zhongli provided insights into the daily life of Rex Lapis, emphasizing the Emperor's strict adherence to hygiene. Despite being the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis does not carry an abundance of dirt on him...
However, archaeologist Han Xue disagreed vehemently and bluntly stated, "Zhongli doesn't know jack about Rex Lapis! He's just a pure-bred hater of the Emperor!"
Han Xue recounted instances where Rex Lapis, upon witnessing peasants tilling their fields, would personally lend a hand. Covered in dirt, he often resembled a beggar—a tale that held its own significance...
"Master, what brings you here?" The leader, observing Xingqiu, asked respectfully.
"Cough, cough, I'm just out for leisure and happened to meet a good friend!" Xingqiu cleared his throat, hoping no one discovered his novel's lack of readership, prompting him to seek illustrations from Teacher Bai E.
"Hello!" Lin Feng nodded courteously towards everyone present.
Xingqiu promptly pulled Lin Feng aside.
Seeing this, the team leader couldn't help but frown slightly. It seemed the second young master's condition was worsening, now even bringing someone along for clandestine meetings...
"Cough...cough..." Lin Feng cleared his throat discreetly pulling back his sleeve; he had absolutely no interest in engaging in homosexual activities.
"Lin brother, why don't you join our caravan to Liyue? We can arrange your stay at my family's Flying Cloud Inn!" Xingqiu suggested, looking directly at Lin Feng.
"Oh... that's too generous!" Lin Feng's heart swelled with happiness, but he maintained a modest demeanor outwardly.
"Haha, we're all friends out here, no need to be formal!" Xingqiu smiled generously at Lin Feng, embodying the spirit of camaraderie common among those in the jianghu - who would worry about a few Mora?
As Lin Feng observed the goods being transported by the Anemo Slimes, he felt a sense of déjà vu, stirring a faint unease within him.
However, after already troubling Xingqiu so much, even with his thick skin, it wouldn't feel right to ask for more assistance.
Smiling, Lin Feng produced a smartphone and looked at Xingqiu, saying, "This device can help you find Teacher Calx. It's called a 'cellphone'!"
Xingqiu took the cellphone skeptically, examined it briefly, and then asked, "Does Teacher Calx have a fondness for this type of chicken?"
"No, no, no! This isn't food; it's a communication tool with various functions..." Lin Feng hastily shook his head, barely suppressing a burst of laughter. The thought of Albedo eating smartphones was simply hilarious.
After explaining the basics of using a cellphone to Xingqiu, realization dawned on his face, filled with astonishment. He promptly inquired, "Such a valuable item, how much does it cost?"
Lin Feng hesitated for a moment before shaking his head and saying, "No need to thank me; it's just a small token of appreciation, not worth much. Consider it a gesture for saving my life!"
After all, he believed in repaying kindness!