Episode 172.12: Except for Mond, the great Wind God's presence is nowhere to be found.
『 Paimon's eyes were filled with admiration as she looked at Hu Tao.
"Heh, although it sounds a bit arrogant, being able to invite Xiao, who rarely visits Liyue Harbor, is indeed a remarkable feat."
Lumine looked at Xiao with anticipation.
"I'm super interested in how that happened."
For Xiao to come to Liyue Harbor, and even as a guest, was already miraculous enough. If there was some special way to persuade Xiao, Lumine was completely bewildered.
Yet, Xiao inexplicably came along with Hu Tao, which naturally made everyone curious.
Xiao said nonchalantly: "It's not as complicated as you think."
Then, Xiao and Hu Tao began to recount a not-so-pleasant past…
Just a short while ago.
In memory, not long ago, at Wangshu Inn, again...
Hu Tao nodded vigorously, thanking the boss with a radiant smile: "Got it, thank you, proprietress!"
Verr Goldet gently sighed, correcting her: "Remember, it's 'boss', not 'proprietress'."
But Hu Tao had already darted up the stairs like a gust of wind, Verr Goldet's helpless words left far behind.
"Heh heh, And there she goes... What a lively girl."
As soon as she reached the rooftop platform, Hu Tao yelled out, her voice clear and loud:
"CONQUEROR OF DEMONS!! ADEPTUS XIAAAAAO!! GUARDIAN OF WANGSHU INN! HERO OF DIHUA MARSH!! I KNOW YOU'RE THEREEEE!!"
No sooner had she spoken than Xiao appeared on the rooftop like a ghost, his eyes indifferent, his tone carrying a hint of impatience: "Tsk… Keep your voice down, don't disturb the peace."
Hu Tao smiled slyly, winking at Xiao and saying: "Hehe, sorry about that, but if I didn't shout so loudly, how would you appear, Great Sage?"
After all, without a little commotion, Xiao wouldn't show up easily.
Xiao nodded, looking at Hu Tao at the moment.
"Hmm, I know you, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"What urgent matter do you have for me?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Kiyotaka Ayanokouji (Classroom of the Elite): "This, it should be because the other party didn't want to be bothered anymore, so they agreed, right?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It seems so." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "As expected of Hu Tao." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe." ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "…." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Interesting." ]
[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "Oh dear, I'm the boss, not the proprietress." ]
[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "How many words do I have to say before you realize I'm still single?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But wouldn't that just make you even more pathetic?" ]
[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "It seems there's no problem, but Lady Ningguang hasn't found anyone yet, so I'm not in a hurry either." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, if you have someone in mind, you can go look for them first." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "You're in the same boat, you don't have anyone either." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Cough cough, work is important." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Work is important." ]
[ .....]
『 The flashback ended. After hearing the story, Xingqiu couldn't help but burst into laughter, his face full of admiration as he stared intently at Hu Tao.
"Hahahahaha! This matter truly fits Director Hu Tao's usual style!"
Paimon, looking confused, turned to Xiao and asked curiously: "So, did the Conqueror of Demons agree because he was afraid Hu Tao would cause more trouble?"
Before Xiao could speak, Zhongli suddenly began to speak slowly, his voice steady and with a hint of profundity: "I believe the reason behind it is probably not that simple."
Hu Tao's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this, and she looked at her consultant with approval: "Oh! You're really clever, consultant!"
Paimon was also drawn in by this sudden turn, her eyes wide as she turned to look at Zhongli and Hu Tao, her face full of disbelief: "What?! There's more to the story?!"
Hu Tao nodded gently, explaining:
"Hmm, the rest is just some dry history, nothing more than the old stories between the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the Yakshas, purely to get closer."
However, Zhongli leisurely recounted the past years: "It is said that in the era of incessant Archon Wars, disasters were frequent, and humans suffered greatly from disease and death, with nowhere to escape. The Adepti slayed demons and defended the righteous, the Millelith fought bravely, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor dedicated itself to eradicating plagues and guiding the departed souls home. It is precisely because of this that in those turbulent times, we were able to define the boundaries between life and death, reducing many unnecessary disturbances."
Hu Tao nodded solemnly, looking as if she had just realized something: "Ah! Yes, yes, that's right, consultant, you're absolutely correct, one point for you!"
As she spoke, she even gave Zhongli a thumbs-up, showing her approval.
"However, even with our old acquaintance, to invite the Great Sage, this Director had to expend quite a bit of effort."
Lumine turned to Xiao, her eyes full of questions: "Could it be that you're worried about the karma you carry?"
Xiao didn't respond immediately, but Hu Tao spoke first, her tone teasing: "Heh, you really understand him."
Xiao's tone remained calm, but with a hint of helplessness: "This burden cannot be avoided, so I naturally have to think twice before acting."
However, at this moment, there was less of the previous worry in Xiao's eyes, which made Lumine wonder.
At this moment, Hu Tao's voice rang out again, full of confidence: "It is indeed a problem, but I've already thought it through! I only invited friends with special connections to elemental power for this dinner. It's just a meal, so there won't be any major issues."
Xiao scanned the full table, a slight smile on his lips, and said lightly: "I didn't expect so many people to come." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "With so many people, it should be fine, right?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "I feel like Xiao has never experienced so many people together." ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "Did you forget when we were underground during the live stream earlier?" ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "The number of people was about the same as here, right?" ]
[ Kuki Shinobu (Genshin Impact): "This time, Boss is right." ]
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "I was being presumptuous." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Oh, I see!" ]
[ .....]
『 Xingqiu smilingly introduced his situation: "Conqueror of Demons, rest assured, so far we haven't noticed anything amiss."
After saying that, he specifically winked at Chongyun next to him.
"Especially this little Taoist priest, he possesses pure yang energy and is quite robust,"
For some reason, Xingqiu always loved to steer the conversation towards Chongyun, as if every reaction from Chongyun could make him burst into laughter.
Perhaps, this was the joy between brothers? (Hehehe!)
Chongyun quickly waved his hand in protest: "Hey, that's two different things!"
Just as Chongyun stood up to explain, Xingqiu's hand moved subtly, as if he had done some small trick. Then, his gaze locked onto the uninvited guest in his bowl, his previously calm face flashed with excitement as he stared at Xingqiu.
"And, did you secretly add carrots to my bowl just now??"
Xingqiu was a bit embarrassed and quickly looked at Xiangling, hoping she could smooth things over, but Chongyun became even more agitated: "Don't try to change the subject!~"
Xingqiu could only turn back and pretend to be clueless, giving Chongyun a sheepish smile: "What do you mean?"
Xiangling then also spoke: "This time I support Chongyun, I saw it too!"
"Luckily, Guoba isn't here today, he hates picky eaters the most, he might force you to eat it all~!"
Being a picky eater isn't good, and Xingqiu's pickiness always affected Chongyun beside him.
Chongyun had already tasted all sorts of grains and vegetables because of Xingqiu's "tricks."
Xingqiu looked at Xiangling in surprise: "Eh? Is Guoba really that stubborn?"
"Thinking about what Xiangling said before, Guoba really is the incarnation of ⟦//Stove God//⟧ ." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "What's wrong? Does Guoba have any special identity?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Why can't we hear these few words?" ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "How strange, why is it censored?" ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Perhaps, they don't want us to know yet?" ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Guoba, isn't he just Guoba?" ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "But, Xingqiu, you can't be a picky eater anymore." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "I'll let Guoba stop you!" ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly, don't throw things you don't eat into my bowl." ]
[ .....]
『 Zhongli saw the situation and interjected at the right time, easing the awkwardness.
"Haha, so you've heard those folk tales too?"
Lumine suddenly turned to Xiao: "Why is Xiao so quiet today? Is he alright?"
"Is he not used to crowded places?"
Xiao was unusually quiet today. Lumine thought he was uncomfortable, so she asked with concern.
Xiao said to Lumine expressionlessly, "It's alright."
"Just a short while ago, probably on the eve of the Lantern Rite, I met an old acquaintance."
"With his assistance, my condition has stabilized quite a bit."
Lumine breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, then smiled at Paimon beside her and said: "That's great! If there's anything you don't want to eat, just give it to Paimon!"
"By the way, who exactly is this old friend you mentioned?"
Seeing that Xiao was fine, Lumine felt she could relax a bit and lighten the atmosphere. Paimon nodded seriously, then suddenly changed her mind as if realizing something: "Right! ...Wait, what?"
She looked at Lumine with a frustrated expression. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Traveler, you're so mean, what do you take me for!" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Just tell me if you like delicious food." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "I do!" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Are all the dishes on the table your favorites?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "They are!" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "There you go!" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It seems, there's no problem." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Hehe." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "How interesting." ]
[ .....]
『 As for Lumine's curiosity, Xiao pondered for a moment and finally decided to answer the question: "That person, you know him too."
Suddenly, a strange gust of wind slipped into the room.
"Whoosh… whoosh… whoosh~!"
Lumine looked around blankly, checking if the doors and windows were tightly shut.
"Huh? Where did this wind come from?"
Just then, a familiar voice sounded from the door.
"Seeds of story, brought by the wind..."
Paimon, without thinking, immediately added: "...and cultivated by time!"
Paimon cried out as if realizing something.
"Ah! Did Paimon just unconsciously complete that saying?"
"But, this voice, could it be!"
Lumine nodded slightly.
"I also think it's him, no doubt."
This unreliable voice must belong to a certain bard who doesn't do proper work. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "That voice, it must be you!" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Tone-Deaf Bard!!" ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Ehe, I didn't expect to have a role here?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Why are you everywhere?" ]
[ .....]
『 Hu Tao smiled at Zhongli.
"Heh, if this Director's ears aren't playing tricks on me, is there a guest outside the door?"
"Consultant, don't just stand there, go and welcome them!"
Zhongli, urged by Hu Tao, was about to get up and open the door.
For some reason, a fleeting, almost imperceptible displeasure flashed across Zhongli's face at this moment, as if he was contemplating how to teach someone a lesson.
The person outside the door seemed to have a telepathic connection and shouted to the people inside: "No need to trouble yourselves, I'll let myself in!"
With a gust of wind, the door was violently pushed open, and a green figure stepped inside.
Zhongli's grip on his teacup tightened a bit.
The green figure, after entering, looked utterly helpless.
"Hehe, you finally let me in!"
Then, he loudly offered his blessings to everyone: "Hello, hello, whether we've crossed paths before or not, this is a brand new encounter for us all!"
"New friends and old friends! Happy Lantern Rite!"
Looking at the familiar green back, Paimon exclaimed: "Oh! It's the Tone-Deaf Bard!"
Xiao's expression grew even more tense: "!?"
(Xiao's inner monologue: Barbatos?? Should I also pay my respects with a couple of bows later?)
As soon as Hu Tao saw Venti, a smile immediately blossomed on her face, and she teased: "Ooohh! He seems to carry a valiant breeze wherever he goes... It looks like we're gonna be friends!"
"A visitor is a guest, an encounter is fate, everything goes without saying, please take a seat."
"Feel free to eat these dishes. I'll have them bring you a set of tableware. Please wait a moment."
She finished speaking and stood up, intending to go out and call for a set of tableware.
Venti, seeing Hu Tao's enthusiasm, also quickly returned the compliment: "Hmm, looking at this young lady's demeanor, she's as bright and cheerful as a flower facing the sun."
"She no doubt is the one with the most authority here!"
"Whoa, these dishes look amazing... Is it really okay for me to join in? Hehe, alright, I'm digging in!"
As he spoke, Venti naturally sat down in the empty seat next to Zhongli.
Once Venti was seated, Xingqiu finally recognized the newcomer and exclaimed:
"Ah, it's you!"
He immediately tensed up, seemingly afraid that Venti might reveal some secret.
Venti, seeing this, also asked in surprise:
"Oh! Isn't this Zhenyu..."
Hu Tao, hearing this, looked at Xingqiu in confusion.
"Hmm? Zhenyu?"
Lumine whispered to Paimon: "Oh no, Xingqiu's secret pen name is about to be exposed!"
Venti noticed the subtle atmosphere and quickly corrected himself:
"Yep, now that I've taken a closer look... You're a fan of Zhenyu's works, aren't you?"
"I had the good fortune to meet Xingqiu at a light novel exchange event. It was truly a pleasure to meet him so late."
"To be able to analyze Zhenyu's new work so thoroughly, it turns out there's another expert besides me."
Xingqiu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and, in turn, praised Venti: "Venti is too modest; when it comes to poetic talent, your foundation is much deeper than mine." 』
『 .....』