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"Tianquan Ningguang? I've been hearing that name quite often lately!" Paimon murmured as she gently floated towards Zhongli.
"Ah, at last! The one returned from Jueyun Karst!" Suddenly, a voice called out to them.
"Huh, it's you?" Paimon turned around and recognized Ganyu. Last time, at Wanmin Restaurant, she had sat quietly in a corner with her striking red-and-black horns clearly visible.
"Lets go!" Upon hearing Ganyu's words, Lumine immediately prepared to leave.
"Please wait, I'm not part of the Millelith, nor am I here for your arrest!" Ganyu hastily explained to Lumine.
"My name is Ganyu, secretary of the Sea-Moon Pavilion. I have come as an envoy for Ningguang, inviting you both to visit the Jade Chamber!" With these words, Ganyu handed Lumine an invitation card.
After a moment of silence, Lumine accepted the invitation. Ganyu smiled faintly before departing; she still had much work to do and couldn't afford any downtime.
"Traveler, when meeting wealthy individuals, etiquette is crucial!" Paimon chuckled, sounding quite knowledgeable.
Zhongli gave him a mild glance and calmly replied, "A composed demeanor suffices. I've attended myself; there aren't many people!"
"What, even you, Zhongli, have been there?" Paimon looked at Zhongli, suddenly feeling less impressed by the Jade Chamber's prestige.
Zhongli nodded slightly and then turned to Lumine, asking, "Do...you two have money?"
Lumine's lips twitched slightly, while Paimon couldn't hold back her frustration, exclaiming angrily, "Aghhh, so infuriating! You freeloader, always expecting others to foot the bill - what a societal burden!"
***
Hu Tao was live-streaming from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and as usual, her chatroom buzzed with activity.
"One, two, three, four, five,
Hu Tao's here to livestream.
The viewers flood in droves,
All my fans, I'd say so..."
Hu Tao glanced at her audience and began reciting a poem to kick off her stream.
"Director, kill me now! Let me boost your sales!"
"Broadcaster, ten-year fan here—could you give me a little zombie like Qiqi for pet-keeping?"
"Broadcaster, you're so adorable..."
With her amber eyes twinkling, Hu Tao indeed looked quite charming.
"Cough, cough. This hallmaster thinks it's time to show everyone some zombies today!" Hu Tao cleared her throat before announcing solemnly.
"Yes! Sounds thrilling already!"
"Broadcaster, do you have any talismans? Sell me a few; I'm scared they might bite through the screen!"
"No worries, leave it to this hallmaster—I can handle any zombie effortlessly, hehe!" Hu Tao chuckled confidently, patting her chest.
With that, she stealthily approached Bubu Pharmacy.
"But isn't this a pharmacy, broadcaster?"
"I've heard that places with heavy yin energy often breed zombies and ghosts!"
Hu Tao couldn't spare attention for the chat; her priority was helping Qiqi find peace by laying her to rest.
Stealthily, Hu Tao entered Bubu Pharmacy and tiptoed behind the counter. Qiqi, looking puzzled, muttered while studying her notebook, "Cocogoats don't produce coconut milk; Qiqi has no more coconut milk to drink!"
"Heh heh, I'll buy you some coconut milk!" Hu Tao suddenly exclaimed, swiftly embracing Qiqi and rushing towards the Nourishing Hall.
Only after being carried out of Bubu Pharmacy did Qiqi react, urgently shouting, "Help! Qiqi doesn't want to be buried..."
"Relax, this time I'll make it quick, freeing you from the suffering of this trapped body!" Hu Tao smiled at Qiqi, sprinting rapidly towards Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"So this is a zombie? Doesn't seem scary at all, actually quite cute!"
"Why do I suddenly feel the broadcaster is somewhat despicable? Zombies deserve the right to live too!"
"Cough, cough, mate above, zombies are already dead; there's no 'right to live'."
***
Inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, with a swift motion, Hu Tao placed Qiqi inside a coffin.
"Be good, Qiqi. This hallmaster will give you lots of coconut milk to drink if you stay still!" Hu Tao chuckled mischievously and began closing the coffin lid.
"Qiqi is afraid of the dark; Qiqi doesn't want to be buried!" Qiqi looked at Hu Tao, vigorously shaking her head.
"Afraid of the dark... Hmm, I'll leave my phone here for light. With your Vision charging it, it won't be dark anymore!" After some thought, Hu Tao turned on her phone's flashlight and placed it inside the coffin.
Suddenly, a group of Millelith soldiers entered, addressing Hu Tao, "Director Hu Tao, you're suspected of selling state secrets. Please come with us!"
Hu Tao bristled with anger, turning to the Millelith soldiers, "This hallmaster has always been open and honest! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is an established institution in Liyue—why would we engage in such treachery?!"
"Qiqi...doesn't want to be buried, save Qiqi!" At that moment, Qiqi's voice came from behind Hu Tao. Instantly regretting, she wished she had muffled Qiqi's mouth with coconut milk earlier!
"Who's there?!" The Millelith soldiers immediately grew alert and moved towards the source of the sound.
Quickly, they zeroed in on a particular coffin and forcefully pushed it open.
Qiqi suddenly appeared before everyone, prompting them to raise their halberds and eye Hu Tao warily.
"Kidnapping children! You're coming with us!" The Millelith raised their weapons, addressing Hu Tao brusquely.
"What kidnapping? Qiqi is my good friend; we were just playing hide-and-seek, see?" Hu Tao chuckled mischievously, then picked up a cup of coconut milk from the counter and offered it to Qiqi.
At the sight of the coconut milk, Qiqi couldn't resist reaching out, but Hu Tao held onto the cup without letting go.
"Qiqi, we're friends, right?" Hu Tao asked with a smile.
Qiqi, captivated by the enticing aroma of coconut milk, nodded immediately. "Hu Tao, Qiqi's friend!"
"You see, this hallmaster never engages in wrongdoing!" Grinning, Hu Tao handed the coconut milk to Qiqi and affectionately patted her head.
With her prize in hand, Qiqi promptly sat down on a nearby chair, savoring the drink blissfully. Her legs gently swung as she enjoyed the coconut milk. Ah... now that's life!
"Director Hu Tao, please come with us for further investigation. Nothing to worry about once everything's cleared up!" The Millelith, maintaining a serious demeanor, addressed Hu Tao once again.
***
Meanwhile, Zhongli took Lumine to meet with his associates from the underworld.
"Mr. Zhongli, what brings you here? The authorities have been cracking down lately!" The Fatui glanced behind Zhongli, relieved to find no one else nearby.
"Why all the secrecy? It's not like we're doing anything illegal!" Paimon placed her hands on her hips and looked at the Fatui.
"Cough, cough—the Millelith has intensified their surveillance recently. These are extraordinary times; we must remain vigilant!" The Fatui cleared their throat before explaining.
"Extraordinary times?" Zhongli regarded them, seeking clarification.
The Fatui slowly explained, "The Adepti of Jueyun Karst have finally taken action. Their intentions likely aren't benevolent."
Zhongli queried, puzzled, "Oh, are they coming to demand retribution?"
The Fatui nodded, "Most likely. I heard several members of the Seven Stars rushed ahead earlier to greet them... Though 'greet' might be more accurately described as attempting to intercept the Adepti outside the city."
"However, with both sides so adamant, they've reached a stalemate."
Zhongli shook his head and remarked mildly, "This outcome was inevitable."
The Fatui nodded in agreement, stating firmly, "The Adepti recognize only their contract with the Geo Archon, not the Seven Stars. If they choose to launch a full-scale assault, Liyue Harbor may not withstand it."
Zhongli disagreed slightly, shaking his head. "But the Liyue Qixing are not ones to passively await destruction."
The Fatui snorted coldly. "Hmph, who doesn't know of their stubborn stance? It's precisely because of this that conflict between humans and Adepti is on the brink!"
Zhongli nodded, looking at the Fatui representative. "And then what? How did the 'Fatui' become the target for all parties?"
Frustrated, the Fatui replied, "It's all thanks to Ningguang! She claims, during these stormy times, the Millelith must strictly monitor the Fatui's movements!"
With disdain, the Fatui scoffed, "Tch! Trying to restrict our actions now? The Seven Stars aren't as formidable as they think!"