Episode 174.11: Hurry up and let the Venerable Immortal Xiao give a kowtow!!
『 Xiangling's cheeks flushed slightly from the praise, and she scratched her head in embarrassment:
"Hehe, you're making me shy. Well, once I've improved the recipe according to Mr. Zhongli's suggestions, I'll definitely invite you all to taste it again!"
Chongyun nodded seriously: "Hmm, that sounds quite reliable. Anyway, I'll probably be the one trying the dishes next time, so if I can eat something more delicious, I have nothing to lose."
But at this moment, Xingqiu suddenly suggested, "How about I try the dishes next time?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "I feel like something's not right." ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Xingqiu actually volunteered to try the dishes?" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "It's fine once in a while, to share some of your burden." ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Is... is that so?" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "You don't trust me?" ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Alright then, I trust you." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "This unlucky child seems to trust people too easily." ]
[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Are you saying he's going to be like you, Sensei?" ]
[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "Me? What am I like?" ]
[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Hmph." ]
[ .....]
『 In the scene, Paimon looked around, and as if realizing something was missing, she suddenly exclaimed:
"Speaking of food, it seems we forgot something, didn't we?"
"Where's Hu Tao, who's treating us? And Xiangling, where's your Guoba?"
Upon hearing "Guoba," Xiangling couldn't help but laugh and said to Paimon:
"Speaking of Guoba, it ran off to be a little helper for my dad. During the Lantern Rite, Wanmin Restaurant is incredibly busy. Thanks to Guoba staying to help, I was able to find time to attend Hu Tao's banquet. As for Hu Tao..."
Xiangling remembered clearly about Guoba helping out at Wanmin Restaurant, but she racked her brains and couldn't recall Hu Tao's whereabouts.
At this moment, Zhongli took over the conversation and slowly said:
"The Director said she was going to welcome an important guest and asked me to entertain everyone here first. Looking at the time, she should be back soon."
As soon as Paimon heard that Hu Tao had to personally welcome the guest, her curiosity immediately exploded:
"Eh? If Hu Tao has to personally invite them, then the guest must be extraordinary, right? Could it be Keqing, Ningguang, or Captain Beidou?"
Paimon looked at Zhongli with expectant eyes, but Zhongli just shook his head helplessly:
"The Director didn't elaborate on this matter, and as a subordinate, it's not appropriate for me to ask too many questions."
In fact, Zhongli was also baffled, wondering who Hu Tao had invited.
However, he vaguely sensed a familiar aura quietly approaching, as for another somewhat unseemly aura... he would ignore it for now.
Suddenly, the main door was pushed open with an urgent enthusiasm, carrying a hint of fresh breeze that gently brushed everyone's faces.
Accompanying this gentle breeze seemed to be the joyful voice of a certain Director.
"Ta-da-da-da! We're back!!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "My esteemed guest?" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Who could it possibly be?" ]
[ Fu Hua (Honkai: Impact Third): "Someone who can make the host's relatives personally invite them must be a very, very respected guest." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "Perhaps, it's that adeptus from before, coming as a guest." ]
[ Genos (One Punch Man): "But, what kind of powerful adeptus is that?" ]
[ Yumemizuki Mizuki (Genshin Impact): "An adeptus, although different from the adepti I know, was very powerful back then." ]
[ Yumemizuki Mizuki (Genshin Impact): "But they should also be hard to invite, right?" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hmph hmph hmph, my retainer is the Geo Archo; that adeptus should be more polite when they see me." ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "I suddenly understand the meaning of this title now." ]
[ .....]
『 Everyone turned their heads at the sound, and what met their eyes was Xiangling's familiar smiling face. She looked at everyone with a radiant smile and playfully asked:
"How is it? We didn't keep you waiting long, did we? We really weren't late, right?"
As if to emphasize the importance of their arrival, she checked with everyone individually, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Facing Xiangling's mischievous enthusiasm, everyone seemed a bit flustered for a moment.
Finally, Hu Tao jumped to the doorway and pointed at a... Captain? Who had just entered, introducing him enthusiastically.
"Hey! Thanks to the Great Sage and me speeding like the wind, we made it just in time!"
Paimon and Lumine looked at the newcomer and simultaneously covered their mouths, their faces full of surprise.
"Eh!?"
They were afraid they might involuntarily blurt something out.
After all, sitting before them was the Geo Archon himself, and the one who had just entered was the Archon's subordinate—the Conqueror of Demons.
However, besides the two of them, no one else present knew the true identity of this Great Sage.
The unknown often meant variables, which made people feel a little uneasy. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xianyun (Genshin Impact): "So it's the Conqueror of Demons, but why is he called an adeptus?" ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Sister Himeko said the meaning of the title was that this adeptus would be more awkward at this time?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "That's quite normal, isn't it? When no one else knows his identity, only he knows, and he can't reveal his true identity. No matter how you think about it, that's very awkward." ]
[ Kafka (Honkai: Star Rail): "If you put it that way, it suddenly becomes interesting." ]
[ Gabriel (Gabriel DropOut): "Oh? Another awkward moment, huh?" ]
[ Jashin-chan (Dropkick on My Devil): "Hehehe, the interesting moment has arrived." ]
[ Shirai Kuroko (A Certain Magical Index): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 But the Rex Lapis was an Archon after all. Upon sensing the movement behind him, he immediately stood up and extended a warm greeting to Xiao.
"So it is the Conqueror of Demons who has graced us with his presence! I have heard much of your renown, and it is truly an honor to meet you today!"
"The Director did not mention your esteemed presence when she extended the invitation earlier, which is quite unexpected."
"Not only do we have young heroes present, but also the Golden-Winged Peng, an adeptus who protects Liyue's tranquility. With such a gathering of heroes, this humble abode is truly honored!"
(Xiao secretly thought to himself: Rex Lapis-sama, please stop praising me, I fear I might have to perform a grand bow to you on the spot!)
As soon as Zhongli spoke, the uninformed onlookers felt that it was quite consistent with his usual image,
Just like his usual persona, steady and a bit mysterious.
But for Lumine and Paimon, who were in the know, these words were absolutely hilarious,
The two almost couldn't hold back their laughter, but in the end, they managed to—bursting into laughter would only make it harder to smooth things over.
Xiao, on the other hand, was plunged into endless awkwardness, speechless for a moment.
"Uh..."
His thoughts involuntarily drifted back to a few days ago, to that scene at Wangshu Inn...
That day, Xiao faced the unexpected arrival of Zhongli, full of questions: "The Lantern Rite is approaching, Rex Lapis-sama, is there something important you need to attend to on this sudden trip?"
Zhongli explained with a helpless expression: "Alas, I truly find the Director's temperament difficult to deal with."
Xiao pressed for the reason: "What is it that troubles the Archon so much?"
Zhongli casually revealed the truth: "The Director asked me to buy sesame oil."
Xiao became even more puzzled: "Since you're buying things, why did the Archon come to Wangshu Inn?"
Zhongli smiled and said, "I was chatting with Chef Yanxiao earlier and casually asked for some seasonings."
"Look, here are a few Matsutake mushrooms and a piece of ham."
As he spoke, Zhongli held up a few ingredients in his hand, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Xiao, seemingly with some expectation.
And Xiao keenly caught the flaw in his words: "Then, where's the sesame oil?"
Upon hearing this, Zhongli could only let out a helpless sigh.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't find the specific type of sesame oil that the Director specially requested." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "What's the connection between sesame oil and Hu Tao inviting Xiao as a guest?" ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "I still don't know." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Oh, you Zhongli, you even wandered to Wangshu Inn just to find ingredients." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "This is leisure, the Director should allow it." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "If I didn't know your identity, I'd really think you were a good-for-nothing." ]
[ .....]
『 The flashback ended abruptly, and Xiao gently said to Zhongli: "Mr. Zhong... Retainer, you are too modest."
Even though he knew perfectly well that the person before him was the Rex Lapis, a ripple still stirred in his heart. However, it was not Xiao's intention to reveal Zhongli's true identity at this moment. So, he simply feigned ignorance and played along.
Hu Tao, on the other hand, looked completely unconcerned and laughed heartily to everyone present:
"Yo-ho, this again? Why don't you invite him to sit down? Why all this formality?"
"Who among us here isn't a famous figure, more or less heard of?"
"Besides, we're all old acquaintances, so don't be so reserved!"
At this point, Hu Tao's gaze turned to Lumine and Paimon, as if suddenly remembering something, and she asked the two:
"I heard that the Conqueror of Demons and you travelers are quite familiar with each other, right?"
Lumine nodded slightly, confirming: "That's right, old friends."
Hu Tao smiled sweetly and replied, "That's great then, you two can sit side by side."
Things were naturally easier between acquaintances. Hu Tao was happy to have someone familiar sit with Xiao, as it was both cordial and polite.
Once Xiao was seated, Zhongli turned to Hu Tao and said gently: "Director, please take your seat as well."
Hu Tao showed a sly smile, staring at Zhongli and teasing: "Oh, only now do you remember to invite me?"
Then, as if remembering something, she slowly walked to her seat, announcing to everyone as she went: "Coincidentally, I just heard when I came in that the dishes ordered earlier at Xinyue Kiosk have begun to be served one by one."
"So, let's not delay any further and instruct them to serve the dishes immediately."
Zhongli pushed open the door and instructed the waiter to serve the dishes.
Soon, the banquet began, with the fragrance of tea rather than the mellow aroma of wine.
At the dining table, Paimon looked surprised, her gaze fixed on Xiao, who was sitting next to her.
"It's truly unexpected, the guest Hu Tao welcomed was actually Xiao?"
Chongyun, who was usually silent, suddenly spoke: "This is the first I've heard of it, too, that the Traveler and Paimon have such a deep friendship with the Conqueror of Demons."
Paimon felt a little puzzled: "Chongyun, you know Xiao, too?"
Chongyun shyly scratched his head,
And slowly explained, "It's not entirely accurate to say I don't know him; rather, I've long heard of his name."
"Paimon might not know, but our exorcist clan has a deep connection with the Conqueror of Demons, assisting each other in both light and shadow to eliminate evil."
"This history is quite long."
"I never imagined that today, under the Director's introduction, I would have the honor to see the Conqueror of Demons with my own eyes!"
Chongyun, excited by his narrative, stood up and performed an exorcist's bow to Xiao. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, there was a family that went through it together." ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "I didn't expect it to be young friend Chongyun." ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Conqueror of Demons, I salute you. Please come to my home for a gathering when you have time." ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "That won't be necessary." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hahahaha! Chongyun, your influence isn't as great as mine!" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "It's clear that your skin isn't as thick as hers, don't bully honest people." ]
[ .....]
『 Xiao responded calmly, "No need for such courtesy."
Xingqiu then smiled and chimed in, "It's truly an honor to meet the legendary Conqueror of Demons in person. I've heard Chongyun mention him quite a bit before."
At this point, Xingqiu seemed to recall something important and looked at Chongyun gravely.
"I remember you emphasized the importance of making the Conqueror of Demons recognize the significance of us exorcists."
Chongyun felt awkward for a moment and coughed a few times.
"Cough... cough, cough..."
Xiangling understood immediately and quickly took over the conversation,
"Hmm, we're old acquaintances too!"
"At the last cooking competition, the adeptus even tasted my dishes!"
"Hehehe, I didn't expect to meet again. Happy Lantern Rite!"
Xiangling smiled and offered her festival greetings to Xiao. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Last cooking competition? Was there one? Did I miss it?" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, the time of the Rite of Descension is still quite different from the festival in the scene. Perhaps things we don't know about happened in between." ]
[ Xianyun (Genshin Impact): "I didn't expect Xiao to do such a thing either?" ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 Xingqiu stood up, bowed to Xiao, and continued: "It's better to meet in person than hear a hundred tales. I am Xingqiu, a friend of Xiangling and Chongyun. Please take care of me!"
Paimon's eyes widened, looking at the suddenly respectful crowd.
"Wow! Everyone's suddenly so formal, I don't even know how to respond."
The originally relaxed gathering became a bit reserved due to Xiao's arrival, and everyone scrambled to express their respect to Xiao.
Paimon looked around and also stammered her greetings to Xiao,
"Lord Xiao, Conqueror of Demons... Great Sage! Paimon also salutes you here and wishes you a happy Lantern Rite." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Sigh, learn more, Paimon." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe." ]
[ .....]
『 Lumine playfully teased with a helpless expression: "Isn't 'wish' the wrong word to use?"
Paimon immediately showed a displeased look and glared at Lumine.
"I put so much effort into organizing my words, so don't nitpick!"
Xiao finally spoke, saying gently to everyone: "Everyone, there's no need to be so formal at this moment."
As for why Xiao was silent, on one hand, he was naturally not one to talk much,
On the other hand, when facing certain people, he truly didn't know where to start to avoid an awkward atmosphere.
And Hu Tao suddenly burst out laughing.
"Hehe~!..."
"The Great Sage is right, we're just old friends gathering. Being so polite back and forth makes us seem distant."
"Making everyone so cautious isn't the Director's original intention for hosting, you know~!"
Paimon turned to Hu Tao with a curious expression, "So what was your original intention, Hu Tao?"
Hu Tao, with a beaming smile, slowly explained: "To invite close friends and family to gather, to share fine tea and admire the myriad lanterns, is to bid farewell to the old year and welcome new beginnings." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Can Hu Tao actually say things like that?" ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "It feels a bit unreal." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Hahahaha! Those words really don't sound like something Hu Tao would say." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Instead, it sounds like something a certain Mr. would say all the time." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "What do you mean?" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly, do you think I have no cultural refinement?" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Is it strange for me to say something so profound?" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "No, no, Director Hu is the most amazing poet, hmm." ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "...." ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "Are Liyue people all so strange when they talk?" ]
[ Ainz Ooal Gown (Overlord): "It's a bit profound, it seems I still need to learn more." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "That's not true!" ]
[ .....]
『 Hu Tao's tone changed, and her gaze fell on Zhongli.
"Above, that's the kind of tone my retainer would use. Please give him a warm round of applause!"
Applause immediately erupted like a tide.
"Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!"
Zhongli looked at Hu Tao with a smile, his eyes full of indulgence.
"Indeed, it bears some resemblance. The Director's imitation is truly lifelike."
Hu Tao stood up, looking proudly around at everyone.
"As for me, I just wanted to liven things up and let everyone try some delicious food."
"This past year, everyone has been busy with life, whether traveling or being a guide."
"Cooking delicious food, running businesses, or exorcising demons..."
"And a certain retainer who occasionally helps out at the parlor... oh dear."
"Everyone is super awesome!"
"And I, the Director who brought everyone together, am naturally an even more amazing person!"
As Hu Tao spoke, she proudly patted her "sacred body" a billion times... 』
『 .....』