"What exactly is going on? Speak clearly."
Her instincts told her something about these men wasn't right. But if there really were malicious spirits at work, she could not ignore them.
"Near Wuwang Hill, a section of the mountain collapsed and revealed an ancient ruin. Out of curiosity, us brothers went in to explore. But our eldest was possessed by an evil ghost… we barely escaped with our lives." One man spoke with tears in his eyes.
For the Fatui, disguising themselves as Liyue locals well enough to fool Hu Tao was nearly impossible. So instead, they had grabbed a few Treasure Hoarders, lured them with rewards and pressured them with threats. After that treatment, they willingly became bait.
And indeed, these people had been exploring ruins. The collapse had revealed what looked like an ancient tomb, ominous and perilous within, with guardian spirits that resembled wrathful ghosts.
They had actually come to Liyue Harbor intending to seek out professionals in such matters, but before they could, the Fatui found them.
Nor were they working for the Fatui in earnest. They had their own scheme.
Everyone knew—Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were the experts in handling evil spirits and the dead. And Hu Tao, the Director, was the foremost among experts.
Bring her to the ruin, and two things would be accomplished: the Fatui's request would be satisfied, and Hu Tao would clear out the malevolent presences inside for them. Two birds with one stone.
And if they were found out?
Hah. There were many of them—why fear one little girl?
If she did her part and cleansed the ghosts, they could let her leave alive. But if she refused to play along, well, then she couldn't blame them for cruelty.
Hu Tao eyed them up and down, her gaze narrowing. "Shouldn't you have reported something like this to the Millileth first?"
"This—" The three faltered, unable to speak.
Their line of work could never bear Millileth scrutiny. Reporting would've been suicide.
Hu Tao could already guess what kind they were. Folding her arms, she leaned back with patience, watching them. "Since you're unwilling to report to the Millileth, that means the situation isn't serious. I have a Rite of Parting to arrange. Find someone else."
At her attitude, the three exchanged uneasy looks. In the end, they chose to reveal a little more.
"To be frank, Director Hu, that ruin had never been touched before. It's full of treasures. If we report it, there'll be nothing left for us."
"Oh? And you're not afraid I'll take the treasure myself?"
"If you can destroy the ghosts for us, it's only right that you take a share!"
Hu Tao gave them a long, slanted look—until they began to sweat—before finally speaking. "Very well. I'll come with you. If there truly are evil spirits, I'll deal with them. But if you're up to dirty dealings… don't blame me when I hand you to the Millileth."
"Of course, of course!"
Hu Tao waved for an undertaker. "I'll be going with these men to Wuwang Hill. It'll take some time—I certainly won't make it back in time for the Rite of Parting."
Though it was a pity she might miss it, maintaining the balance of life and death was her duty. Better safe than sorry—she had to go.
"Understood." The undertaker nodded.
Not long after Hu Tao departed, the undertaker who had planned to inform the Parlor of her whereabouts was ambushed in an alley and knocked unconscious.
"Sir, Hu Tao has left the city," a Debt Collector reported to Childe.
Childe's lips curled in satisfaction. "Well done."
"Now then—we just wait for Jiang Bai to return."
It didn't feel like a perfect plan, but it was worth a try.
After gathering the flowers, Jiang Bai and Aether teleported back near the city. They had not walked far before a Debt Collector blocked their path.
Arms folded, Jiang Bai stopped, curious what this one intended.
The man wore a hood and mask. His voice was low and sinister.
"Lord Childe sent me with a message. Your Director is in our hands. If you want her safe, bring us the Geo Archon's [Gnosis] in exchange."
At those words, Jiang Bai's face betrayed no expression—but the sudden dark pressure rolling off him was enough to make Aether instinctively step back two paces.
"S-so scary…" Paimon's teeth chattered; she shrank behind Aether.
Aether raised his voice, urging, "Calm down. Director Hu wouldn't be caught so easily!"
He had seen Hu Tao battle Childe head-on at Yujing Terrace. With her strength, she would never be taken that simply.
"Heh. Won't shed tears till you see the coffin, will you?" The Debt Collector flung out a photograph—Hu Tao, unconscious, bound in confinement.
It was a fake, of course. But so long as it deceived, that was enough.
Jiang Bai glanced at the photo. A crimson light flashed in his eyes.
A massive stone prison surged up from the ground, sealing the Debt Collector inside.
Of course he would not believe them so easily. But he was furious.
Some things—were the reverse scale of a dragon. Touch them, and death was certain.
Suppressing the blaze of anger in his chest, he drew out the Four-Sided Compass. From it, he produced the pointer tied to Hu Tao. The name was still bright—her life force steady.
Placing it into the device, the needle spun and settled—pointing away from Liyue Harbor.
That direction… towards Guili Plains, Wangshu Inn, Dihua Marsh—the places they had just come from.
With her general location confirmed, he immediately used the long-distance transmission talisman to send a message.
[Director, where are you? Are you alright? Why did you leave the city??? The Fatui said they captured you? Reply right away!! Urgent!! Extremely urgent!!!]
Hu Tao, riding her horse on the road, felt the talisman tremble. Jiang Bai's frantic words spilled into her ears.
She scratched her ear in bewilderment. Captured by the Fatui? Since when?
[What nonsense is this? Since when was I caught by the Fatui? Some grave-robbers claimed they'd uncovered a ruin with malicious spirits, so I came to deal with it. How did that become me being "captured"?!]
"Director Hu? Why'd you stop?" One of the men in front halted as her horse abruptly froze.
Message sent, Hu Tao lifted her eyes to the three guides, eyes narrowing.
"So there isn't really any ruin, is there? You just wanted me out of the city?"
They startled—but quickly composed themselves.
They had lured her this far; there was no turning back. Their treasures still waited.
"Director Hu, then look at this." One reluctantly pulled out a jade cicada.
Hu Tao's expression went cold. Of course she recognized it. These were objects placed in the mouths of nobles upon burial.
Since the Archon War, burials had become rare to prevent plague. Only the very rich, powerful, or exalted prepared tombs and grave goods.
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