Chapter 8 – Hu Tao

Jueyun Karst, before Qiu Bai’s abode, a large crane stared at the now unsealed dwelling.

“Where is the Adeptus Lord?!”

“Such a large Adeptus Lord, could they have been stolen by someone with ill intentions?”

This large crane was none other than Cloud Retainer, who stood dumbfoundedly gazing at the broken seal of the abode.

“Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper!”

“You two old fellows, come out quickly! The Adeptus Lord has been stolen!”

Upon hearing this message, Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver hurried over from their own abodes.

“Who did this?!”

“How outrageous, to dare steal the Adeptus Lord while they were in slumber.”

Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver exclaimed angrily.

“What’s wrong, Master? And why are all the True Lords so alarmed?”

A woman’s voice sounded from behind.

The newcomer wore a form-fitting black outfit, her pure white hair gently flowing, adorned with a Glaze Lily-shaped ornament. The first impression she gave was that of an exceptionally elegant and aloof beauty.

The newcomer was Shenhe, who asked with some confusion.

“Shenhe, go to the mortal realm, to Liyue Harbor, and find the Tianquan among the current Liyue Qixing.”

“Tell them the Adeptus Lord has inexplicably vanished, and have them send people to search!”

Cloud Retainer said to Shenhe angrily.

“Understood, Master.”

With that, Shenhe began walking down the mountain.

Liyue Harbor, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

“That Zhongli, why hasn’t he returned yet? Fine, I’ll go eat by myself.”

Hu Tao grumbled as she headed out to Wanmin Restaurant.

“You plan to feign death the day after tomorrow, then observe how the Liyue Qixing will react?”

Qiu Bai asked Zhongli.

“Exactly. I’ve heard that a Traveler from afar is coming from Mondstadt.”

“They might be an indispensable part of this Rite of Descension.”

Zhongli spoke without reservation to Qiu Bai, after all, now only this old friend could converse with him, and he was his most trusted companion.

“Morax, I will support whatever you do.”

“After all, Liyue should grow. How will they fare without their deity?”

Qiu Bai naturally knew the subsequent events, but still wished to see firsthand how the Liyue Qixing would act.

After all, he had also governed Liyue with Zhongli for decades.

He had also been affectionately called the Adeptus Lord by the people here. No matter what, he had developed feelings, partly due to ancient China’s influence; in the game, he also favored Liyue the most.

“But now that you have awakened, if the people of Liyue were to know, my plan might indeed face some difficulties.”

“As the Adeptus Lord renowned alongside Rex Lapis, I must think carefully about how to proceed.”

Zhongli suddenly felt a headache coming on.

“Morax, when I left my abode, no one noticed me.”

“Moreover, I have changed my attire. In today’s Liyue, likely few remember my appearance.”

Qiu Bai explained to Zhongli with a smile.

“Haha, is that so?”

“But Cloud Retainer and the others, if they see you’re gone, they’ll probably be frantic.”

Zhongli said with a laugh, then led Qiu Bai to Wanmin Restaurant.

“Zhongli, where have you been?”

“I asked you to bring back a meal, why are you so slow?”

Hu Tao complained to Zhongli, then suddenly noticed another strikingly handsome man standing beside him, whose looks rivaled even Zhongli’s.

“Oh, Zhongli, so this is that old friend of yours.”

“Have you eaten yet? Xiangling’s on duty today, would you like to sit down and join us?”

Hu Tao’s enthusiastic plum blossom eyes stared at Qiu Bai.

Seeing Hu Tao’s enthusiasm, Qiu Bai couldn’t bring himself to refuse and took a seat. It had been a thousand years since he last ate anything.

“Old friend, I forgot to mention—I am currently a Consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.”

“And this is the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao.”

Zhongli explained to Qiu Bai as he also sat down.

“Hello, Director Hu. My name is Qiu Bai.”

Qiu Bai smiled at Hu Tao. Who in Teyvat didn’t know the number one Pyro DPS?

Looking closely at this clever and spirited girl, Qiu Bai could only say she was even more beautiful than in the game.

“Director Hu, my friend here has no fixed residence. Could he stay temporarily at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?”

“His knowledge surpasses even mine in some aspects. I believe he could be of great help to you.”

Zhongli introduced Qiu Bai to Hu Tao, and what he said was indeed true.

In the past, Qiu Bai had shared tea with him, descended together during the Rite of Descension, and offered unique insights into Liyue’s future planning and development.

“Is that so? I never expected you to have such a friend, Zhongli.”

“Then let Qiu Bai also become a Consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.”

Hu Tao rested her chin on her hand, watching Qiu Bai. Even the way he ate was refined and elegant.

His every word and action resembled that fellow Zhongli. Although he looked younger than Zhongli, he gave off the same aura.

But having two handsome men to look at every day was pleasing to the eye, wasn’t it?

“Thank you, Director Hu. I happen to possess some ability to comprehend Yin and Yang.”

“I should be able to assist you quite a bit.”

Qiu Bai set down his chopsticks and smiled at Hu Tao.

“Huh?”

“Comprehend Yin and Yang? In the literal sense?!”

Hu Tao sat up in shock, walked over to Qiu Bai, and leaned down to look at him, almost pressing her face against his.

“Yes, in the literal sense.”

“I have some understanding of the ways of Yin and Yang.”

As if the title Adeptus of Yin and Yang was for nothing, Qiu Bai felt a bit proud inwardly.

Having spent too much time with Morax, his speech had become similar to Morax’s. Tempered by time, he was no longer the Qiu Bai of the past.

“My old friend is being modest.”

Zhongli also set down his chopsticks. His old friend was the God of Yin and Yang; his understanding of the ways of Yin and Yang had been at its peak from the moment of his birth.

“Wow, Zhongli, you’ve really found me an incredible helper.”

“Qiu Bai, come with me to Wuwang Hill tonight.”

Hu Tao patted Qiu Bai’s shoulder and yawned.

“I’m full. I need to go back for a nap. I’ll come find you tonight, Qiu Bai.”

“Very well, Director.”

After speaking with Qiu Bai, Hu Tao headed toward the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Zhongli and Qiu Bai watched her leave.

“What an enthusiastic girl.”

Qiu Bai took a sip of tea from the cup in his hand.

“I find it hard to handle this child.”

Zhongli also took a sip of tea, smiling as he watched the bustling street around them.

“Oh? There’s actually someone you can’t handle?”

Qiu Bai teased.

Just then, a girl walked out of Wanmin Restaurant.

Carrying a plate in her hands, with a peculiar creature following at her feet, she headed toward Zhongli. Indeed, she was the six-star true goddess, Xiangling.

“Mr. Zhongli! Your Jueyun Guoba is ready.”

Xiangling placed the dishes on the table and glanced at Qiu Bai beside her, feeling a bit puzzled. Was this a friend of Mr. Zhongli? She had never seen him before.

“Guoba, let’s go!”

Xiangling turned to head back inside but suddenly noticed Guoba had frozen in place.

At that moment, Guoba was staring wide-eyed at Qiu Bai and Zhongli, completely stunned.

“Lu lu lu (ΩДΩ).”