Nightfall at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
"I failed them, If only I had arrived sooner."
For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, Zhongli's ever-composed expression showed a hint of guilt. After thousands of years, there were few things left in the world that could move his emotions.
Qiu Bai took notice of this rare shift in expression.
Softly, he reassured, "Morax, there is no need to blame yourself."
"You did everything you could at the time."
And Qiu Bai was right. Back then, Morax had been in Khaenri'ah, he simply couldn't be everywhere at once.
"Thank you, my friend."
Zhongli smiled in response, understanding the comfort hidden within Qiu Bai words.
"Relax, Morax. I will mend your erosion now."
Qiu Bai spoke gently.
This would be the second time he helped repair Zhongli erosion. At this pace, it wouldn't take many more sessions before he fully restored Morax.
"Understood. Let's begin, old friend." Zhongli replied calmly.
With a wave of his hand, Qiu Bai conjured a visual barrier, ensuring their privacy. Then, he channeled the power of Yang into Zhongli's body.
A warm, pure-white divine energy flowed into him.
Just like before, visions of his past flickered through his mind, fragments of memories flashing by in an instant.
Zhongli felt as though he were standing atop Jueyun Karst, with a gentle breeze brushing against his face.
Half an hour passed.
As Qiu Bai finally withdrew his hand, Zhongli slowly opened his eyes.
The fractures in his core, the erosion weakening him had begun to heal once more.
"You have my gratitude, old friend. You should rest early tonight."
Zhongli smiled at Qiu Bai.
After all, to his understanding, mending erosion was no easy feat. In fact, this was the first time he had ever known it to be possible at all.
"It's late. You should get some rest too, Morax."
Qiu Bai smiled back.
Just as he was about to stand up, Zhongli voice rang out.
"By the way, tomorrow, a certain Fatui Harbinger…"
"I have a dinner meeting with them at Liuli Pavilion. Would you like to join me?"
Qiu Bai raised a brow.
"A Fatui Harbinger?"
"Are you planning to use them to test this generation of Liyue Qixing?"
Qiu Bai furrowed his brows in confusion.
As someone who had played through Liyue story, he naturally knew Zhongli's intentions.
Zhongli planned to use Tartaglia the ever-generous "wallet" to release the Vortex God, Osial, from its deep-sea prison.
The reason the Qixing hid the Rite of Parting's remains was largely because of the Fatui Harbinger, Childe.
Ningguang had long heard rumors that Mondstadt's Anemo Archon had already lost his Gnosis to La Signora.
Although the Qixing did not anticipate the death of a god, everything they had done so far aligned with Zhongli's expectations.
Now, he had one final test without him as their god, how would Liyue's people face a great enemy?
If the Qixing, the people, and the Adepti could deliver a satisfactory answer, even in the face of a Demonic God's revival, at least his old friend would be there to ensure Liyue wouldn't fall.
"That's right, that is my intention."
Zhongli nodded.
"What do you say, old friend? The Traveler will be there as well."
He took a sip of tea and smiled at Qiu Bai.
Zhongli had always found it interesting how easily his old friend adapted to modern Liyue, unlike Cloud Retainer and the other Adepti, who preferred to stay detached from mortal affairs.
Qiu Bai pondered for a moment before replying.
"That Traveler, huh? When I visited Jueyun Karst and met Xiao, I traveled with them for a while."
"I suppose you could say we're friends."
He smirked slightly.
"Very well, I'll accompany you tomorrow."
Zhongli chuckled and set his tea aside.
"A traveler who crosses the sky and journeys across the stars…
Perhaps I, too, should take the time to meet them properly."
With that, he stood up.
"It's late. We should rest."
Qiu Bai nodded, then turned and made his way up to his room.
The moment he stepped inside, he noticed something unexpected, the room was spotless.
"…Did Hu Tao clean this?"
He couldn't help but be a little surprised.
Smiling to himself, he muttered, "It's getting late. I should rest as well."
Lying down on his bed, he let his mind drift back to his journey since arriving in Teyvat.
"Ever since I came here… this life hasn't been so bad."
With that thought, he slowly drifted off to sleep.
The Next Morning
As the morning sun spilled through his window, its warm light landed gently on Qiu Bai face.
He stirred awake.
A faint golden glow shimmered across his body, instantly removing the dust from his clothes and fixing his slightly messy hair.
With that, he stepped out of his room.
Downstairs, Zhongli was already awake, leisurely sipping tea while reading a book.
Without looking up, he greeted, "You're awake, old friend. Are you ready?"
Qiu Bai smirked.
"I am."
"Then, let's set off."
Zhongli looked at Qiu Bai calmly and said,
"I'm ready. Though, I don't see Director Hu anywhere."
Qiu Bai asked with slight confusion.
"It's still early in the morning. Perhaps the Director was too exhausted from waiting for you and overslept."
Zhongli explained as he sipped his tea.
Hearing this, Qiu Bai felt a warm sensation pass through his chest, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"That silly girl."
"Well then, let's set off, old friend."
With that, he pushed open the doors of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, heading toward Liuli Pavilion.
Liyue Harbor in the Morning
The streets of Liyue Harbor were already bustling with activity. Vendors and shopkeepers were setting up their stalls, preparing for a busy day.
The sounds of chirping birds mixed with the lively voices of merchants advertising their goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere unique to Liyue.
Due to the Rite of Descension incident, the Millelith were still patrolling the streets in large numbers, maintaining order.
As Zhongli and Qiu Bai walked side by side through the streets, their presence naturally drew attention.
"Look, look! It's Qiu Bai, the consultant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and Zhongli! They're walking together!"
"Ahhh! I ship them!"
"I heard both of them are incredibly knowledgeable, with wisdom spanning from ancient times to the present. Not to mention, they're so elegant and composed!"
On both sides of the street, countless young women whispered and gushed, utterly captivated by the sheer charisma and appearance of the two men.
Qiu Bai, wearing a faint smile, glanced at Zhongli from time to time noticing how the former Geo Archon remained as composed as ever, like an unshakable rock.
Internally, Qiu Bai couldn't help but sigh.
"Sigh… Even Madam Ping says she's getting old, but compared to this guy..."
"Tsk tsk, I really don't understand why Morax doesn't just take on an old man's appearance. That would suit him much better."
As they walked, a young woman approached them from the opposite direction.
She was none other than Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.
Stopping in front of them, she spoke with a clear yet firm voice.
"Please allow me to delay you both for a moment."
Standing before Zhongli and Qiu Bai, Keqing appeared petite in comparison, but her aura remained commanding.
Qiu Bai smiled slightly and responded first,
"What business do you have with us, Lady Yuheng?"
Keqing took a deep breath before speaking.
"Qiu Baiand Zhongli, Ningguang has invited you both to the Jade Chamber."
"Given your vast knowledge and experience, she believes that having you by her side would be a great contribution to Liyue Harbor."
"Of course, you will be well rewarded for your efforts."
"If you are interested, you may seek her out at the Jade Chamber."
Finally, her expression became slightly awkward, and a faint blush dusted her cheeks.
Facing two incredibly handsome men at once was somewhat overwhelming, even for Keqing.
Still, she managed a polite smile.
"So, what do you think?"
(T/N: Hey, Fellow Daoists! 👋 If you're enjoying the translation and want to read 20 chapters ahead, you can check out my P web! Your support helps keep the updates coming and means a lot.
🔗 P@tre0n.com/DaoistRongyi
Of course, you can always continue reading on Webnovel, no pressure! Either way, thanks for being here and supporting the translation. Hope you enjoy the chapter! 😊)