As Shenhe slowly approached, Cloud Retainer lips twitched hard.
She knew her disciple well—Shenhe wasn't the type to be deliberately mischievous. Yet, even if it wasn't intentional, she had still managed to put her master in an awkward situation.
"Cloud Retainer! So it really was you!"
"I knew it!"
Qiu Bai shouted angrily, glaring at Cloud Retainer before shifting his gaze to Shenhe, who stood cool and composed behind her.
Cloud Retainer face flushed slightly, and she retorted with feigned confidence, "Yeah, so what if it was me?"
"You deceitful bastard!"
Qiu Bai, frustrated beyond words, nearly collapsed on the spot.
"Even if I tricked you somehow, you can't just blow up my home!"
"My heavens… my cave! My carefully sculpted divine figurines!"
Qiu Bai clutched his head in despair as he looked at the smug Cloud Retainer.
Cloud Retainer crossed her arms and scoffed. "Look at you, acting so dramatic. I am an adeptus, after all."
"All I did was drop a few stones at your cave entrance. Go check it yourself."
Qiu Bai hesitated. "Really?"
Cloud Retainer nodded. "Really."
"You're not lying to me?"
"I'm not lying! This adeptus does not deceive!"
Qiu Bai exhaled deeply, patting his chest in relief.
Just then, his gaze landed on the woman standing beside Cloud Retainer. Pretending to be curious, he asked, "And who might this be?"
Shenhe gave a small bow and replied, "Greetings, Immortal Lord. My name is Shenhe."
"I am the disciple of Cloud Retainer."
Cloud Retainer waved a dismissive hand. "Shenhe, there's no need to be so polite to him."
"From now on, just call him 'fool.' It's fine, I permit it."
Without hesitation, Shenhe nodded. "Understood, Master."
Then, with a perfectly composed expression, she turned to Qiu Bai and greeted him plainly, "Hello, Fool."
Qiu Bai had just opened his mouth to politely dismiss the formalities only to be utterly silenced by Shenhe words.
Cloud Retainer burst out laughing, her elegant frame shaking with mirth.
"Hahahaha! This adeptus hasn't laughed this hard in centuries!"
She clutched her stomach as she continued to laugh at Qiu Bai bewildered expression.
Qiu Bai sighed and shook his head. "Alright, alright. I'll just go back to my cave then."
"Goodbye, Cloud Retainer. Goodbye, Shenhe."
Qiu Bai lips twitched as he spoke. Without lingering, he took off, flying straight toward his cave.
Shenhe watched him disappear into the distance with her usual cool expression and remarked softly, "Master, you and Fool seem to have a very good relationship."
Cloud Retainer huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph! Who has a good relationship with that fool?"
Then, with a flick of her sleeve, she turned. "Come, Shenhe. Let's return."
With that, the two vanished into the wind, making their way back to their dwelling.
Meanwhile, at Qiu Bai cave entrance, he landed before a pile of massive boulders. Without hesitation, he activated his divine power, moving the stones aside with ease.
Beneath them, a faint blue seal was revealed, a translucent barrier covered in cryptic runes. Qiu Bai approached, gazing at the inscription before murmuring, "42069."
Instantly, the blue barrier vanished. Without breaking his stride, he stepped inside. Behind him, the entrance automatically sealed itself once more.
Qiu Bai walked deeper into the cave, past the place where he had once slumbered. As he moved forward, the seemingly solid rocks in his path turned transparent, allowing him to pass through effortlessly.
Within lay a carefully arranged collection—figurines sculpted with divine power, books stacked neatly on tables, and several strange talismans spread across the room.
Qiu Bai stroked his chin thoughtfully before waving his hand. The books and talismans all vanished, stored securely within his system's inventory.
Stretching lazily, he turned and strolled back outside.
In an instant, Qiu Bai reappeared above Qingyun Peak, standing atop the Floating Stone of Fleeting Life. A lone wooden table sat before a simple yet elegant structure.
His gaze drifted over the vast, continuous mountain ranges and the breathtaking scenery of Jueyun Karst.
"Over a thousand years have passed since I arrived in this world," he mused.
"And yet, I have never truly taken the time to appreciate it."
With his hands clasped behind his back, he let the gentle, cool breeze brush against his face.
"Perhaps… it's time to walk the mortal world for a while."
His eyes flickered as he gazed toward a shadow floating high in the heavens. A subtle smile curved his lips.
"This world still holds far too many mysteries."
"Let's go unravel them."
With that, he sat down, allowing his surroundings to soak into his vision. Time trickled away, the sun and moon cycling through their endless exchange.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Qiu Bai reflected on his time since arriving in this world. "I haven't really done anything meaningful, have I?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, his lips curled into a smirk.
"Perhaps I should start by reviving those Yakshas."
"Though… I may need to borrow a bit of my sister's authority for that."
He murmured to himself before vanishing into thin air.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
At this moment, Qiu Yue sat attentively, listening as Zhongli patiently explained the history, etiquette, and written language of Liyue and the greater continent of Teyvat.
The Director, staff, and the young undertaker were all absent, leaving only the two of them in the hall.
Suddenly, Qiu Bai figure materialized before them.
Zhongli lifted his gaze, his expression calm as ever.
"Heh… old friend, you've arrived."
Qiu Bai nodded slightly toward Zhongli before shifting his gaze to his younger sister, who was patiently listening to the lecture.
"Little Yue, what has Morax been teaching you?"
Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, "Just remember one thing—whenever you eat, always bring Mora with you. That's the most important lesson."
Qiu Bai was certain that this particular piece of wisdom had never been part of Zhongli teachings.
Zhongli, still seated gracefully in his chair, twitched at the remark, letting out an awkward cough.
"I know, Brother! I missed you!"
Qiu Yue beamed up at him, hugging him tightly before tilting her head, her bright eyes locked onto her brother's. "But you're right—Mr. Zhongli never mentioned that part."
Qiu Bai chuckled softly, gently patting her head before turning back to Zhongli.
"Old friend, where is Director Hu?"
His eyes scanned the empty funeral parlor. "She's not around? did she go out for something?"
Zhongli smiled faintly. "The Director went out to promote business."
Then, with a light chuckle, he added, "That lively child always finds the most interesting ways to do things. I only hope she doesn't end up attracting the Millelith again."
Qiu Yue grinned mischievously. "Director Hu is doing great!"
Then, leaning closer, she whispered excitedly, "I secretly used my authority to extend her lifespan by another two hundred years!"
Qiu Bai lips twitched slightly at her words.
The balance of life and death was supposed to be orderly, and perhaps his very existence was something that Celestia could never allow.
But did that matter?
No.
All that mattered was protecting those he cared about.
His gaze grew firm. Still not strong enough, huh?
With a soft smile, he ruffled Qiu Yue hair. "Director Hu is indeed a good person."
Then, with a smirk, he added, "A few extra hundred years wouldn't hurt."
Even if the heavens forbade it—so what?
As long as he became strong enough, he could do whatever he wanted.
A thought flashed through his mind.
"System, accept the mission."
[Ding!]
[Mission: Revive the Four Yakshas!]
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