After several hours of "creative" work, Osial's heads were all now adorned with a large, bold "Loser" character, painted with Luo Qing's high-strength spray.
And that wasn't all—Luo Qing had spent the entire time giving Osial a heartfelt lecture. For example:
"Osial, when's your mother gonna die, huh?"
"Osial, you're my beloved mare."
"Stop all that whining and come fight me if you dare, you coward."
...
Every time he spoke, the system would ding:
[Frustration Value from Osial +10]
After a few hours of this verbal assault—no, heartfelt guidance—Luo Qing had run out of insults and felt a bit parched. With over a hundred "lectures" delivered, he was exhausted and finally climbed down from Osial's heads. Patting one of the massive heads, he said casually:
"Well, Little Os, that's all for today's lesson. I'll come back another time to continue our classes."
Having found a perfect frustration farm in Osial, Luo Qing wasn't about to let this golden opportunity go to waste. He decided he would return every few days to discuss "ethics and morals" with the trapped god.
After all, Osial wasn't going anywhere anytime soon—he had to make the most of this opportunity.
"Human! Do you dare tell me your name?" Osial's voice roared, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Oh? Why wouldn't I dare?" Luo Qing's lips curled into a grin as he proclaimed loudly:
"I am the Star of Tianji of Liyue's Qixing—Li Feiyu!"
"Li Feiyu! One day, I'll rip you to shreds!" Osial roared, his rage boiling over.
"Yeah, yeah, you only ever say that," Luo Qing waved off the threat.
"..."
[Frustration Value from Osial +10]
Just as Luo Qing was about to leave through the teleportation circle, a thought struck him. He pulled out the spray paint again and walked toward Osial's heads.
"What are you doing now?!"
Seeing Luo Qing approach with the black canister, Osial's eyes widened with a mix of dread and disbelief.
"Didn't expect this, huh? You're a real little troll, aren't you?" Luo Qing teased as he sprayed a new set of characters along Osial's neck:
"Tianji Star Li Feiyu Was Here"
"..."
[Frustration Value from Osial +10]
"Accursed vermin! Just you wait! And you too, Morax! One day... one day—"
Before Osial could finish his dramatic threats, Luo Qing activated the teleportation circle and vanished from the depths.
Emerging from the teleportation circle and swimming to the surface, he noticed the first glimmers of dawn on the horizon.
"It's nearly morning already," he muttered.
Swimming to shore, Luo Qing made his way back to where the cable device was set up.
Theresa, the Electro Cicin Mage, was dozing off against the rig, several electric Cicin buzzing softly around her. One had its eyes fixed on the indicator light, seemingly standing guard in her stead.
Not far off, a few Hilichurl and Mitachurl corpses were slowly being carried away by the waves. It was clear a battle had taken place while he was away.
"Theresa, wake up."
Luo Qing gently tapped her shoulder.
Theresa, however, remained blissfully asleep, turning over in her sleep and mumbling, "Lord Luo Qing... No, don't... not there..."
"..."
[Frustration Value from Luo Qing +1]
Taking a step back, Luo Qing looked at the sleeping girl and called out loudly:
"Theresa, commander of Liyue's 47th Vanguard Unit, stationed at Guyun—report!"
"Here!"
Theresa sprang to attention, her military instincts kicking in. She stood straight, eyes wide open.
As she rubbed her eyes, she finally noticed Luo Qing, now back on shore, the snapped cable still dangling from his body.
"Theresa, didn't I tell you to stay alert? Why did you fall asleep?" Luo Qing asked with a tone of mock disappointment.
"Does that mean I should count this as dereliction of duty?"
Hearing the words dereliction of duty, Theresa panicked, waving her hands frantically.
"Lord Luo Qing, please listen to my defense—I mean, my explanation! A group of Hilichurls tried to ambush me, including a Mitachurl... I had to put in a lot of effort to take them down, so I... I just needed a short rest."
"Why would they suddenly attack? I thought the closest Hilichurl camp was far from here?" Luo Qing asked, puzzled.
"Uh... maybe because I stole their prized meat stash?"
Theresa's voice grew smaller as she sheepishly tilted her head.
"..."
"I think I understand why you were sent to guard this place alone."
Luo Qing sighed and decided to drop the matter. After all, she had completed her orders and remained at her post, and his words had been more of a jest than a true reprimand.
"Wait! Lord Luo Qing, you know about the time I peeked at—"
"Hm?"
"Ah! Nothing! Nothing at all!" Theresa cut herself off, waving her hands in denial.
"Theresa, your assignment is to monitor the sealing grounds at Guyun, correct?" Luo Qing asked, shifting the topic.
"Yes, Lord Luo Qing."
"Alright then..." Luo Qing patted her on the shoulder once more. "You've done well here. Soon, your assignment here should come to an end."
"R-Really?!"
Her eyes sparkled with hope, tears threatening to fall. Theresa had been isolated at Guyun for a year after... well, certain incidents. Being a Cicin Mage, she often received solo assignments, given their superior combat abilities compared to ordinary vanguard soldiers.
Being called the "station commander" of the Guyun post was flattering, but she was, in fact, the only one stationed there.
"Lord Luo Qing, are you really going to transfer me back?!"
Theresa's voice quivered with excitement, clearly misinterpreting his words as a promise of a transfer back home.
"Something like that."
"Thank you, Lord Luo Qing! I'll serve with utmost dedication and never disappoint you!"
"..."
Watching her heartfelt enthusiasm, Luo Qing couldn't help but wonder if she'd misunderstood something.
"Alright, enough about that."
He wasn't interested in clarifying further. Last night's "lesson" with Osial had netted him a total of 2,017 frustration points—enough for two ten-pulls in the gacha. He wanted to get back to Liyue Harbor to find a lucky spot for his draws.
Borrowing Theresa's small Fatui skiff, Luo Qing set out on his return journey.
As he sailed away, he found himself liking the young Cicin Mage more and more—a cheerful and vibrant girl. Perhaps next time he visited Osial for another session, he'd bring a little gift for her.