(T/N: Sorry for the late upload fellow daoist, got stuff going on today and haven't had the time till now T^T)
After eliminating the Dream Archon, Qiu Bai sent a few streaks of white light toward the unconscious individuals on the ground.
As the energy of Yang flowed into them, their eyelids fluttered, and they slowly opened their eyes.
Xiao Cui groggily got to her feet and looked at Qiu Bai.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, what happened to me?"
"Why did I suddenly pass out?"
She clutched her head, confusion written all over her face.
The other archaeologists behind her also stood up, just as dazed, looking at Qiu Bai for answers.
"You were all corrupted by the lingering resentment of the God of Dreams, which remained inside the mural."
"This young lady and I were unaffected because we didn't look at it for too long."
Qiu Bai explained calmly as he gazed at the bewildered group.
"The lingering resentment of the God of Dreams?"
"T-Then… are we going to be okay?"
Xiao Cui asked anxiously, and the other team members trembled behind her, fearing potential aftereffects.
Qiu Bai chuckled lightly.
"Relax. The Archon War ended thousands of years ago."
"No matter how powerful the Dream Archon once was, her lingering will can't harm you anymore."
The thought of the Dream Archon, whom he had completely obliterated without leaving a single trace, somehow still affecting them was nothing short of a joke.
"That's a relief…"
Xiao Cui sighed, clutching her chest clearly, she had been terrified.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, we truly appreciate your help."
"The historical value contained in this mural is beyond imagination!"
Uncle Yu, who had been standing behind Xiao Cui, walked forward, offering Qiu Bai a grateful smile.
"Haha, don't mention it."
"Since everything is settled, this young lady and I will be on our way."
Qiu Bai waved his hand casually, then turned toward the exit with Bonanus by his side.
"Wait, Mr. Qiu Bai!"
"I'll have someone send your payment to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Uncle Yu called out as Qiu Bai neared the exit.
"Much appreciated, Uncle Yu!"
Without turning back, Qiu Bai simply raised a hand and waved.
"This Mr. Qiu Bai is truly knowledgeable."
"He actually reminds me of Mr. Zhongli…"
Uncle Yu murmured as he watched Qiu Bai departing figure.
After stepping out of the cave, Qiu Bai made sure no one was around before teleporting with Bonanus to a secluded area in Liyue Harbor.
"That old man Morax…"
"He's probably already arranged a place for the Yakshas to stay, huh?"
Qiu Bai led Bonanus toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Upon arriving, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The first people to come into view were Zhongli, Hu Tao, and Qiu Yue.
"Old friend," Qiu Bai greeted, his tone casual.
"Where did you arrange for this young lady siblings to stay?"
He gestured toward Bonanus. Since Hu Tao was present, he couldn't speak too directly.
"They are currently living in an apartment in Liyue Harbor," Zhongli responded with a small smile.
"The rent was covered by Master Hu."
"In the future, if Wangsheng needs help dealing with monsters or other supernatural threats, they can be called upon."
"Yeah, yeah!" Hu Tao chimed in, nodding enthusiastically.
"Zhongli made them sound so amazing, so I figured, why not? Gave them a place to stay, and if trouble arises, I'll hire them."
She shot a playful glance at Zhongli. This guy practically hyped them up like they were Rex Lapis himself.
And honestly, his reasoning was pretty solid—it wasn't a bad deal at all, which was why she agreed to it.
"Haha, Master Hu is too modest," Zhongli said, taking a sip of tea.
"Everyone in Liyue Harbor knows of your gifted speech."
"Hahaha, is that so?" Qiu Bai chuckled, glancing at Zhongli.
"You're as eloquent as ever, old friend."
"Zhongli, why don't you take this young lady to see the apartment?"
Qiu Bai suggested.
"As for me, I'll take my leave for now."
He gave Bonanus a brief glance before turning toward Qiu Yue, ruffling her hair gently.
Then, without another word, he strode out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Goodbye, big brother!" Qiu Yue called after him, waving sweetly.
Once outside, Qiu Bai rubbed his chin thoughtfully before heading toward Sanwan Butougang.
Upon arrival, he found a crowd gathered.
It seemed that Tian Tiezui was about to start a storytelling session.
Qiu Bai sat down, ordered a pot of hot tea, and cast a calm gaze toward Tian Tiezui.
The storyteller cleared his throat, as if preparing for something. Then, with a flourish, he flicked open his folding fan and gestured forward.
"Last time, we left off with Lord Rex Lapis locked in battle, unable to step away!"
"Meanwhile, within Liyue's borders, great demons ran rampant! As the adepti waged fierce war against these evildoers."
"Two streaks of black and white light erupted from the mountains! And who was it but the slumbering immortal himself?"
"The great Immortal Lord gazed upon the desolation of Liyue, where not a single place could be called peaceful."
"Saddened by the sight, the gentle yet powerful Immortal Lord released a divine white radiance from his hands!"
"And lo behold! The great demons of Liyue cast aside their weapons and turned to righteousness!"
"Then, the Immortal Lord slowly returned to his slumber until recently, when he felled the Vortex God with a single sword stroke!"
"He then delivered the Seven Stars' decree before drifting back into a deep sleep once more!"
Qiu Bai expression turned strange as he listened.
With an unreadable gaze, he watched Tian Tiezui continue, spinning even more wild tales about an Immortal Lord—stories that not even Qiu Bai himself knew about.
Tian Tiezui snapped his folding fan shut, and the gathered crowd erupted into applause, each person taking out some Mora as a reward.
Meanwhile, Qiu Bai, still sipping his tea, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
"I never expected that hearing others brag about me could feel this satisfying."
"No wonder that old man Morax enjoys listening to storytelling so much."
With a chuckle, he took another sip of his hot tea, placed down a few Mora, and turned to leave.
By now, Liyue Harbor had entered dusk. The sun had just set, and thousands of lanterns flickered to life, illuminating the city in a warm, golden glow.
As Qiu Bai strolled along the bustling streets, he took in the vibrant scene around him, feeling a rare sense of contentment.
Soon, he found himself walking toward the opera stage.
Up on the stage stood none other than Yunjin, Liyue's famous opera star.
Qiu Bai found a seat and settled in, his gaze fixed on the performance.
Dressed in a traditional huadan (young female role) costume, Yunjin stood proudly with a long spear in hand, striking a commanding presence as she sang and danced.
"As expected of Yunjin."
"Hearing Divine Damsel of Devastation in the game was one thing, but experiencing it in person… I could listen for hours."
He nodded in admiration, unable to hold back his praise.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, Qiu Bai noticed someone.
A young man with delicate features, almost mistakable for a woman.
He held a book in his hands, his blue hair swaying slightly as he read. At his waist, a Hydro Vision gleamed.
"Isn't this the six-star Water God, Xingqiu?"
"But what's he so engrossed in?"
Curious, Qiu Bai casually scanned the book title with his spiritual sense.
"Autumn Sword Chronicles II"
Qiu Bai rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"So, this guy is completely absorbed in reading his own novel?"
He smirked slightly, his gaze lingering on the book.
Just then, Xingqiu seemed to sense the stare directed at him.
He slowly lowered his book and turned toward Qiu Bai direction.
"Well, if it isn't Wangsheng Funeral Parlor guest consultant, Mr. Qiu Bai," Xingqiu greeted with a polite smile.
"And you are?"
Feigning ignorance, Qiu Bai tilted his head slightly, pretending not to recognize him.
(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.
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