Xingqiu observed Qiu Bai puzzled expression and stroked his chin.
"I'm Xingqiu," he introduced himself.
"I'm the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild."
Seeing Qiu Bai continued confusion, he added an explanation.
"Oh, the second young master of Feiyun Commerce Guild," Qiu Bai nodded.
"I only just returned to Liyue Harbor not long ago, so I'm not too familiar with the current situation."
He smiled at Xingqiu as he spoke.
"I didn't expect Mr. Qiu Bai to have such refined tastes," Xingqiu chuckled.
"Coming here to watch Yunjin perform."
He walked over and sat down in front of Qiu Bai, glancing toward the stage where Yunjin continued her performance.
"Ms. Yunjin operas are legendary," Qiu Bai replied with a smile.
"All of Liyue Harbor knows this. Naturally, I had to come see for myself."
"I suppose it's a good way to pass the time," he added.
"But tomorrow, I plan to visit the nation across the sea—Inazuma."
Qiu Bai took a sip of his tea and spoke in a calm tone.
"Inazuma?"
Xingqiu shut his book and looked at him with curiosity.
"I've heard they're still enforcing the Sakoku Decree. How does Mr. Qiu Bai intend to get there?"
Qiu Bai simply smiled mysteriously.
"Naturally, I have my own ways."
"My goal is to travel across all seven nations and see the world for myself."
Hearing this, Xingqiu eyes lit up with an idea.
"In that case, Mr. Qiu Bai, would you be willing to do me a favor while you're there?"
Qiu Bai glanced at Xingqiu in confusion, unsure of what he was about to request.
Sensing Qiu Bai doubt, Xingqiu looked around cautiously before lowering his voice.
"Let me tell you something, Mr. Qiu Bai," he said in a hushed tone.
"My pen name is Zhenyu."
Qiu Bai raised an eyebrow.
"My novels don't get published in Liyue," Xingqiu continued, sounding a little bitter.
"The publishers here think my stories are too cliché."
"But I have fans in Inazuma."
He tapped the cover of the book in his hands.
"So I've been secretly printing copies myself."
Pausing for a moment, he then handed a book to Qiu Bai.
"I'd like to ask a favor of you, could you take this 'Autumn Sword Chronicles II' to Inazuma's Yae Publishing House?"
"This is my newest work."
Qiu Bai accepted the book, feeling its weight. Clearly, Xingqiu had poured considerable effort into it.
"When you get there, just tell them it's the sequel by Master Zhenyu."
"Ask them to print a few copies over there."
"As for the earnings, how about we split it 50-50?" (T/N: Author is smokin somethin again, his math ain't mathin. 30-50? bro where the 20?)
Xingqiu looked at Qiu Bai with eager anticipation, afraid that he might refuse.
For some reason, Inazuma had suddenly closed its borders not long ago, making it impossible for him to visit even if he wanted to.
[Ding!]
[System Quest!]
[Help Xingqiu deliver Autumn Sword Chronicles II to Yae Publishing House!]
[Reward: Unknown.]
The system voice echoed in Qiu Bai mind.
"Heh, I wasn't planning to refuse anyway."
"Might as well use this chance to visit Inazuma."
Qiu Bai stroked his chin, amused by the coincidence.
Meanwhile, Xingqiu watched him, scratching his head nervously. Could it be that Mr. Qiu Bai has some difficulty in accepting this favor?
"Alright, I'll do it."
"It's getting late. You should rest early." Qiu Bai said, glancing at the darkening sky and the opera nearing its conclusion.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Qiu Bai!"
Xingqiu stood up excitedly, patting his chest in gratitude before extending his hand.
"Haha, it's nothing. I was planning to take a stroll in Inazuma anyway."
Qiu Bai also stood up, shaking Xingqiu hand with a smile.
"Then, I'll take my leave. Mr. Qiu Bai, rest well."
With that, Xingqiu turned and walked toward the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
Applause filled the air, signaling the end of Yunjin performance.
Qiu Bai smiled as he turned his gaze toward the center of the stage.
With a slight motion of his finger, a faint white light imperceptible to ordinary people entered Yunjin body.
"Huh? What's this feeling?"
"Why do I suddenly feel like all my fatigue is gone?"
Yunjin looked down at her hands in confusion.
She was used to feeling exhausted after every performance, yet this time, there wasn't a trace of fatigue.
Qiu Bai subtly sensed the location of the Five Yakshas before casually strolling in their direction.
The streets were brightly lit, bustling with life.
There, he saw Bosacius, Bonanus, Indarias, Xiao, and Menogias with smiles on their faces.
Bonanus curiously eyed the street vendors selling candied fruit and various delicacies.
Xiao, meanwhile, had a skewer of candied hawthorn in his mouth—force-fed by Bosacius.
He looked at Bosacius with an exasperated yet oddly content expression, and after taking a bite, a small smile formed on his lips.
Indarias had wandered into a clothing store, eyes sparkling as they bought outfit after outfit.
As for Menogias, he had found himself drawn to various toys, picking them up and inspecting them with childlike fascination.
"Bosacius, look at this!"
Bonanus ran over, wearing a flower crown on their head, smiling sweetly.
"That's adorable! It really suits you, Bonanus."
Bosacius laughed heartily, looking at Bonanus with a fond, indulgent expression.
"Menogias, how old are you now?"
"And you're still playing with children's toys?"
Bosacius couldn't help but tease Menogias, who had been fiddling with toys along the way.
"Shut up, Bosacius."
"You don't understand. I'm observing the crystallization of Liyue's modern wisdom."
Menogias gave him a you-just-don't-get-it look before turning back to continue examining the toys.
"Look, look! Does this outfit suit me?"
Indarias stepped out of the clothing store, calling out to the others from a distance.
Her long red hair cascaded behind her, and she wore a classical qipao that accentuated her figure.
With her bare, slender legs and high heels, she turned to the four Yakshas, smiling confidently.
"Wow, it looks amazing! It really suits you, Indarias!"
Bonanus was stunned by Indarias' elegant yet striking appearance, running over to take a closer look.
"You wearing that… feels a little off to me."
Bosacius mouth twitched. Indarias, the fiery-tempered warrior, in a qipao?
"I actually think it looks quite nice."
Menogias nodded approvingly, smiling.
"Hmm… yeah, it looks good."
Xiao stroked his chin, glancing at Indarias before offering his concise approval.
Meanwhile, standing at a distance, Qiu Bai silently watched them.
"Heh, looks like Director Hu gave them plenty of Mora."
"But that's not a bad thing."
As he gazed at the reunited Yakshas, Qiu Bai couldn't help but smile.
Instead of greeting them, he turned and walked toward the other end of the street.
"I should find Madam Ping and ask her to craft a Serenitea Pot for me."
"If I'm going to travel to other nations, I can't keep returning to Liyue every night to sleep."
Stroking his chin, he headed toward Yujing Terrace.
As he approached, the number of people noticeably thinned compared to the lively streets earlier.
Many young couples stood along the corridor, gazing at the distant full moon.
Qiu Bai shook his head slightly before making his way up toward Yujing Terrace.
(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! 😊)