"Ah, it's nothing. You needn't worry, Master Hu."
Zhongli sipped his tea calmly. "I just remembered something delightful, that's all."
"What's the good news? Spill it!"
Hu Tao's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Well, strictly speaking, it's good news. I thought of a junior who seems to have found their own path—one with immense potential."
"A junior?"
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Your son?"
"Master Hu, I have not yet married."
"No problem! A godson is still a son, and you didn't deny it just now!"
Hu Tao grinned with delight. "Tell me, tell me! I promise I won't spread it around. If they're job hunting, and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor isn't a good fit, I can even talk to Sanqiu about it!"
"In terms of seniority, he's certainly not my son."
"He's... a very unique junior—spirited and exceptionally bold."
Zhongli set down his teacup and gazed at the sky.
"Though his future path will be fraught with peril, it's undoubtedly a blessing. Master Hu, how about we celebrate at Liuli Pavilion tonight?"
"Liuli Pavilion? But I didn't bring enough money today. Why don't we just go to Wanmin Restaurant instead?"
"Xiangling isn't on duty today. From what Master Mao told me, she went out with Xingqiu, Xinyan, and Chongyun on a little adventure. Were you not aware?"
"Oh, right! Now that you mention it, I recall that I had work to do, so I didn't join them. So that's why you're skipping Wanmin Restaurant."
Hu Tao twirled her twin ponytails, her eyes lighting up suddenly.
"I've got it! Let's go eat and put the bill under Sanqiu's name. What do you think of that plan?"
"Hmm, from a practical standpoint, that does seem like an excellent idea. If we mention Brother Gu's name, we might even skip the line and go straight to a reserved private room."
"Perfect! Let's gather the staff still at the funeral parlor, save takeout for those on assignments, and head to Liuli Pavilion tonight to celebrate our consultant's delightful memory!"
ヽ(￣ω￣(￣ω￣〃)ゝ
Zhongli continued sipping his tea, savoring its aroma as the smooth fragrance enveloped his senses.
"Hmm, excellent tea."
---
Far away in Inazuma, Gu Sanqiu remained unaware of the backstab from his close friends. He was busy performing routine exercises, quickly adapting to his newfound strength.
For now, he had stabilized his foundation. As for steps two and three, he had a rough idea of what to do.
The Eye of the Heirloom required no concern—it had already become distinctly attuned to the Gu family's energy. The next step involved considering whether to toss the Seed of Tempest, gifted by Decarabian, into the cauldron.
This external power likely contained some sort of hidden trial. Gu Sanqiu suspected the seed carried a test left behind by its original owner. If he failed to subdue it, the tempestuous power wouldn't meld with his own perfectly. That was a challenge.
"But challenges are meant to be conquered."
With a wave of his right hand, Gu Sanqiu summoned a black vortex.
"Of course, for someone like me who has a 'golden finger,' bleeding this much to solve a problem is just absurd."
"Seriously, what else are you good for besides providing ingredients? Can't you work a little harder and live up to the name of a golden finger, buddy?"
With another wave, he dismissed the black vortex and calmed himself, resuming his training. Mastering his newfound physical strength was second nature to him now. All he needed was time.
"Boss!"
Arataki Itto bounded over enthusiastically. "We're here to clock in!"
"Did you have breakfast?"
Gu Sanqiu ended his session, shooting Itto a look that stopped him in his tracks.
"Uh, last night I went bug-hunting in the wild, looking for the ultimate beetle champion. I ended up sleeping in this morning."
In other words, no.
"Fine. Young people skipping breakfast—it happens."
Gu Sanqiu walked into the dojo and casually grabbed a massive, de-feathered, de-scaled bird carcass with one hand, tossing it at Itto.
"I've prepared the seasoning. Build a fire and roast this thing. You'll have a busy day ahead, and you won't last without a proper meal."
"Leave it to me!"
Itto stared blankly for a moment as the massive, unidentified object hurtled toward him. With a surge of energy, he caught it steadily over his head.
"Boss, what is this? It's definitely not an ordinary animal."
"No, it's not. I hunted it in the wild this morning. Seems like it absorbed some sort of energy and gained cultivation."
The Wugada Giant-Legged Chicken. This was the second time Gu Sanqiu had pulled this creature out of his golden finger. He'd already dealt with the preliminary prep to avoid unnecessary trouble.
"Whoa! Boss, next time you get a chance like this, count me in! I want to fight one of these legendary, power-enhancing creatures too!"
Itto and his three underlings salivated simultaneously. This bird was so huge that the five of them wouldn't finish it. Maybe they'd even have leftovers to bring back for Grandma!
"Excuse me, but who here is the master of this dojo?"
Several men approached, swords strapped to their waists. Their attire, both in material and craftsmanship, far surpassed that of Itto and his crew.
Their eyes grew serious as they took in the sword marks on the stone and the group's clumsy attempts to control the fire for even roasting.
It seemed the rumors were true—this man was no fraud but a genuine warrior who had clawed his way up through the dangers of the wild.
Just as well. They had come to meet such a warrior.
"That would be me. I am Longhai Xuanzhe. May I know your names?"
"Master Longhai."
The leader stepped forward and bowed. "Tian Zhongji, current head of the Shinyu Style. We've come to humbly request a sparring match with you."
"I heard from a friend in the Tenryou Commission that Master Longhai is a powerful samurai capable of slaying the supernatural. I couldn't resist the urge to test my skills. If this request seems abrupt, please forgive me."
"No matter. Sparring among warriors is never untimely."
Tian Zhongji's impression of Gu Sanqiu immediately improved.
In terms of strength, this man was undoubtedly a master. Judging by his words, he didn't seem like someone prone to scheming either.
Refreshing!
"Since Master Longhai is so straightforward, I won't hold back either."
Tian Zhongji gestured for his companions to step aside.
"To be honest, I've come not only for a friendly duel but also carrying tasks assigned by others."
"The Tenryou Commission wants you to assess my threat level?"
Tian Zhongji froze. "You see through everything, Master Longhai. That is indeed the case."
"Don't worry about it. After all, I'm the one wielding those cursed objects. Given my association with Arataki Itto, such actions are to be expected."
Gu Sanqiu's tone was calm. "Even if it weren't you, the Tenryou Commission would have sent someone else. Pay it no mind."
"Hesitation and overthinking will only dull your blade."
Tian Zhongji's face turned serious as he bowed deeply. "I see. Thank you for your guidance."
"The Shinyu Style's current ties to nobility have diluted its purpose. Many students join for impure reasons, and the dojo's progress has stagnated."
"Today, Master Longhai, your insights have struck the heart of the matter. I am deeply grateful!"
...
Gu Sanqiu blinked in confusion.
Wait, I was just making small talk...
---
T/N: LMAO ZHONGJI anyway goddamnit it zhongli and hu tao