After completing the system's draw, before Li Mo could even take a sip of tea, another notification sounded in his mind.
[Ding! System analysis complete. The story of the twelfth life, "Diluc's Father," has been fully told. New effect triggered—Fusion! You will now merge with your twelfth incarnation's body.]
[And gain the power of the twelfth life.]
[Merge now?]
Crepus of the twelfth life had no Vision and no great swordsmanship. He was practically a "swordsmanship failure." Yet even so, that life was still a part of Li Mo. Fusing would still strengthen his current body.
So of course he would not refuse. "Merge now."
[Ding! System notification: Fusion with the twelfth life, "Diluc's Father," has begun.]
The moment the system spoke, Li Mo could clearly feel a surge of power entering his body, increasing his strength once more. Though this increase was small, every bit counted. When all ninety-nine lives were fused, his power would reach the peak of this world.
…
While Li Mo was fusing in the inn, the story of the twelfth life had already been spread to Mondstadt through Yae Miko's special methods. When the branch staff of Yae Publishing House received it, they were stunned.
So this was the truth of what had happened back then? Crepus was the real hero? The great Knights of Favonius had shamelessly stolen his achievements?
This was explosive news. Once published, it would shock all of Mondstadt and trigger a crisis of trust in the Knights. But what did the Knights' crisis have to do with Yae Publishing House? They rushed to print it.
Before the light novel could even be printed, the manuscript of the twelfth life had already spread through the streets of Mondstadt.
"Did you hear? The great Knights of Favonius did something so disgraceful. How disappointing."
"What are you talking about?"
"You haven't heard? The twelfth life from the Liyue storyteller has reached Mondstadt. The light novel is being printed right now."
"So that's the truth behind Ursa the Drake."
"Diluc was treated so badly by the Knights."
"Acting Grand Master Jean, explain yourself! The Knights can't treat people like this!"
"Give us an explanation!"
Before the light novel was even printed, the citizens of Mondstadt who had learned the news were already making a commotion in the streets, quickly drawing the attention of Acting Grand Master Jean.
Hearing the noise outside her office, Jean asked with confusion, "Noelle, what's going on out there? Why all the noise?"
Noelle carefully explained, "Acting Grand Master, the people outside are saying the Knights have been oppressing the citizens and covering up some truth. I don't know the details. Would you like me to go ask?"
Jean nodded. "Go and see."
Noelle: "Yes, ma'am."
When Noelle stepped out of the Knights of Favonius headquarters and into the square, she found that Yae Publishing House had already finished printing the light novel. Since only the twelfth life was included, it was printed quickly.
Noelle bought a copy. But when she opened it and read the story, even this kind-hearted maid was furious at the Inspector's actions. Outrageous! A Knight Inspector abusing his power like this!
She quickly brought the book to Jean's desk. "Acting Grand Master, this is what they're all talking about. The Inspector in this story is infuriating."
She handed the light novel to Jean. Jean looked at it, puzzled. "Isn't this from Yae Publishing House? I've read it before. Wasn't it about Knight Rostam?"
The next moment, she opened it and read the story. Her expression grew grave, then angry.
She slammed the book onto her desk. "Unbelievable! An Inspector of the Knights, in such a high position, doing something like this! But this Inspector's name sounds unfamiliar. Are you sure he was part of the Knights' leadership? Noelle, look into this."
Noelle followed Jean's orders and quickly found the old files, including those on the Inspector.
"Acting Grand Master, according to these confidential records, the events described in the light novel are true. The Inspector used his authority to steal Crepus's achievements."
Jean was furious. "Where is that Inspector now? I won't let him get away with this."
Noelle said quietly, "But Acting Grand Master, the Inspector died in an accident during a mission six years ago."
Jean: "…"
Hearing this, Jean could only sigh. No wonder Diluc was so hostile toward the Knights. This was why.
But after the Inspector died, why hadn't Diluc come to her, the Acting Grand Master, with the truth? Perhaps he had simply lost all faith in the Knights.
Jean sighed. "The Knights have wronged Diluc."
…
Meanwhile, on the other side of Mondstadt, the butler rushed excitedly to where Diluc was training, holding a thin light novel. "Master Diluc! Master Diluc!"
Diluc frowned. "What's all the fuss about?"
The old butler, tears in his eyes, handed the book to Diluc with trembling hands. "Master Diluc, the truth about your father's sacrifice has been exposed by the storyteller. Your father will finally receive the honor he deserves."
Diluc was stunned. "What did you say?"
He grabbed the book. When he read the story of the twelfth life, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning, frozen in place.
"Father… I'm going to Liyue."
…
When Diluc decided to head to Liyue, at Wangshu Inn, the audience below was bustling with noise, shouting at the storyteller.
"Storyteller, please, don't break our hearts this time!"
"This time, tell a story about Liyue—Liyue's stories are always sweet!"
"Everyone quiet down, let the storyteller speak."
After the audience settled down, Li Mo glanced at the crowd, then at Hu Tao in the corner.
He spoke slowly. "In the thirteenth life, he was reincarnated in Liyue and became the seventy-fifth director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
The audience: "Hehe, finally a story about Liyue—wait, what did you say? The seventy-fifth director? Isn't that Hu Tao's grandfather?"
Hu Tao: "???"
(A/N: After staring at the novel's title for a long time, I finally decided to write about Hu Tao!)
(T/N: Finally!)