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"The fact that you're still asking this question means your stupidity hasn't been cured yet," Yanfei explained with a slight smile. "So technically, I'm not depriving you of your right to be stupid! According to Liyue's construction laws, buildings must not encroach on farmland and may not... And since Jade Chamber is suspended in midair, its status is... uh... it's essentially like a balloon!"
Yanfei gave an awkward laugh; she had already brought up this issue with Ningguang, only for the woman to promptly kick her out.
"Hu Tao, are you trying to poach Qiqi again? With her recognized status among the Adepti, Liyue's laws don't apply to her. Also, if you attempt one more pitch to Madame Ping, there'll be consequences!" Yanfei eyed the post from someone named "Funeral Parlor Director," knowing without doubt it was Hu Tao—after all, most people avoided Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at all costs.
"Ahem, as the director, I'm just looking out for her best interests. When the time comes..." Hu Tao typed out a response but found herself silenced before she could send it. Frustrated, she thought, I didn't even get to finish my advertisement, and they've already muted me. How petty!
***
"Huh, why is there no one at the counter? The atmosphere feels strange!" Paimon looked around curiously but found not a single person.
"Excuse me... Is anyone here?" Paimon hesitated before calling out loudly.
"Welcome to..." A feeble and weak voice echoed from behind the counter.
Though slightly frightened, Paimon still flew over, then burst into laughter, saying, "Traveler, look! She's shorter than the counter!"
"Is she a zombie?" Lumine observed Qiqi's attire and the talisman on her forehead, feeling compelled to ask.
"Um... I suppose so!" Paimon nodded, glancing at the talisman on Qiqi's forehead.
"Welcome to Bubu Pharmacy, I am Qiqi!" Qiqi lifted her head to look at them and softly continued, "Qiqi has already died once. Later, an Adeptus saved me, hence, I'm a zombie!"
"This young... friend, may I inquire if you sell amber incense?" Zhongli approached cautiously, asking with some hesitation.
"May I ask... Do you have a prescription? Please hand it over; Qiqi will fetch the medicine!" Qiqi gazed at Zhongli and spoke slowly.
"Well... Amber incense doesn't require a prescription, as it's not for medicinal purposes." Zhongli couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
"A prescription is necessary—it's Qiqi's decree. Without it, no deal!" Qiqi looked at Zhongli, her movements somewhat stiff as she shook her head.
"Decree?" Lumine glanced at Qiqi, puzzled.
"As a zombie, actions require a decree. However, strangely enough, this young one can issue decrees to herself!" Zhongli explained with a subsequent shake of his head.
"Qiqi, dear, we don't have a prescription, but we still hope you could assist us in obtaining the amber incense," Zhongli said gently, looking at Qiqi.
"Sure thing!" Qiqi nodded woodenly, observing the trio.
"Huh, what changed suddenly?" Paimon peered at Qiqi, genuinely curious.
"But, you must help Qiqi too, then it's fair!" Qiqi explained, gazing back at them.
"Isn't assisting customers part of a shopkeeper's duty?" Paimon placed her hands on her hips, eyeing Qiqi.
"Indeed, it's merely an equitable exchange!" Zhongli smiled and nodded.
"Then please accompany me to Mt. Tianheng. Use the Guizhong Ballista to help hunt Cocogoats for me!" Qiqi, seeing their agreement, seemed slightly delighted as she spoke.
"Huh?" Paimon and Lumine were puzzled, full of question marks on their faces. What was a Guizhong Ballista, and what exactly were these Cocogoats?
"I know about the Guizhong Ballista, but I've never heard of Cocogoats," Zhongli said, shaking his head while looking at Qiqi.
"Cocogoats are legendary creatures, half-immortal beasts!" Qiqi explained, gazing at Zhongli.
"Eh, is that all?" Paimon asked, eyeing Qiqi curiously.
"Yes, Cocogoats are legendary, half-immortal beasts." As Qiqi mentioned them, she couldn't help but lick her lips, recalling how Hu Tao had once trapped her with coconut milk, making her hesitant to venture out since then.
"What do they look like? Without knowing their appearance or origin, how can we find them?" Paimon waved her hands, feeling somewhat helpless.
"Well, let's start by checking near the Guizhong Ballista. Perhaps there will be some clues there," Zhongli suggested mildly, shaking his head.
"Cocogoats... Just what kind of creatures are they?" Paimon murmured, becoming increasingly intrigued.
***
In Mondstadt...
Eula woke up and immediately felt relieved upon seeing Lin Feng unharmed before her.
"You're awake! Want some water? Are you hungry? Shall I..." Lin Feng couldn't help but smile happily as he looked at Eula, concern evident in his voice.
Eula's lips curved slightly upward, revealing a hint of a smile at Lin Feng's caring demeanor.
"Beautiful!" Lin Feng exclaimed with a grin, genuinely expressing his admiration for Eula's kindness.
Upon hearing Lin Feng's compliment, Eula's expression instantly stiffened, reverting to her usual cold demeanor.
Lin Feng mentally slapped himself, regretting his ill-timed comment - why did he have to open his mouth like that?!
"Why did you come back so soon? Was Liyue not fun without me?" Eula asked coolly, a hint of resentment in her tone.
"Liyue just isn't the same without you there. It was no fun, so I decided to return early, hehe!" Lin Feng chuckled, looking at Eula fondly.
A slight blush appeared on Eula's cheeks as she lifted her chin slightly and replied, "Hmph, I'll remember this slight!"
Hearing this familiar response, Lin Feng felt a wave of comfort. Indeed, direct confrontation always had its own charm.
"Oh right, how did you end up surrounded by Abyss Heralds?" Lin Feng asked Eula, curiosity piqued.
"Hmph, I actually rescued someone from their clutches!" Eula replied coldly. If not for her feeling unwell that day due to personal reasons, mere Abyss Heralds would have been no match for her.
Lin Feng pondered briefly and instantly knew who she meant.
"By the way, how did you manage to save me?" Eula scrutinized Lin Feng, recalling that he couldn't even defeat a Hilichurl in her memory.
"Well, um... I carried you to Albedo's camp, and he saved us!" Lin Feng scratched his head awkwardly, feeling truly useless.
Eula was momentarily speechless. Well, despite being quite inept, at least Lin Feng knew to seek help.
After a brief silence, Eula looked at Lin Feng and said coldly, "From now on, you'll join my guerilla squad. I'll train you so you don't end up dying unexpectedly!"
"Sounds great!" Lin Feng nodded eagerly, thrilled at the prospect of spending every day with his beloved Eula.
Eula nodded and attempted to stand up but suddenly winced, clutching her stomach.
Concerned, Lin Feng rushed over, supporting Eula and asked, "What's wrong? Let's go see Barbara right away!"
He moved to lift Eula into his arms, ready to dash towards Mondstadt City.