"So that's how it is. Because you possess the Pure Yang Body, you wish to join me in subjugating monsters?" Xiao's deep gaze fell upon Chongyun, his eyes glowing dark green, filled with a sharp, penetrating clarity.
Soon, Xiao closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they had returned to their usual color.
"Your physique is decent. You are indeed the type who can eliminate God Remnants alongside me without much worry of corruption." Xiao directed his gaze back to Chongyun: "Are you truly prepared?"
"I am willing to contribute my strength to Liyue! And also for my own growth!" Chongyun said firmly.
Xiao nodded upon hearing this: "Very well. When you are ready, come find me at Wangshu Inn."
With a flash of dark green light, Xiao's figure vanished once more.
Chongyun was still immersed in the shock of being taken as an apprentice by an Adeptus, unable to snap back to reality for a long time. But he quickly realized something, turned around, and bowed deeply to Orion: "I will never forget the kindness shown today! If there is ever anything you need my help with, please do not hesitate to ask!"
"Alright, let's go. First, we'll send Qiqi back, and then find some time to report to the Millelith," Orion said, patting Chongyun's shoulder before walking ahead.
Chongyun followed one step behind Orion, marveling internally. He thought that his uncle-in-law truly could not be judged by mortal standards. Not only did he have his aunt and his suspected second aunt following him without any apparent romantic disputes, but he could even get in touch with an Adeptus!
Which child in Liyue hasn't heard the name of the Conqueror of Demons when they were young? Seeing his tall... majestic... upright... err, handsome and dashing figure today fulfilled his childhood dream!
At this moment, Chongyun secretly made up his mind that he must give his all to help his uncle-in-law whenever possible in the future!
However, he completely forgot to reflect on his behavior of mistaking Skirk for his second aunt simply because her color scheme was similar to his aunt's.
As for Orion, he hadn't expected Xiao to actually agree to the casually mentioned suggestion, but Orion was not someone who took advantage of others for free, and Xiao indeed had some ailments. Perhaps he could help him clear them later on.
The events currently unfolding are not strongly related to the main storyline, leaving a lot of room for maneuver.
Speaking of which, Xiao's ailments originate from the God of Dreams, and the Baku Clan in Inazuma seems to be descendants of the God of Dreams. I wonder if I can obtain a portion of the God of Dreams' Authority, either through the residual power on Xiao or by interacting with Yumemitsuki Mizuki of the Baku Clan later?
After a journey, the group finally entered Liyue Harbor from the direction of Mt. Tianheng.
Looking to the left, situated atop high steps, was a pharmacy—that was Bubu Pharmacy.
Note that the description of 'high steps' here is not a metaphor, but a literal description.
These steps are several times higher than the Eighty Sinful Steps.
Speaking of which, Orion had wanted to complain about this since the game era: why would a medical hall build such high steps? Are you trying to make the elderly patients exercise their immune systems?
Fortunately, based on his observations over the past few days, the people of Liyue are relatively simple and kind; if an elderly person falls ill and their children are not around, neighbors will help call a doctor.
Orion carried Qiqi, walking up the steps one by one, while Skirk and the others followed obediently behind.
Upon entering Bubu Pharmacy, only a middle-aged man was calculating accounts behind the counter. It seemed that Proprietor Baizhu was not present.
When they asked the Shopkeeper, they learned that Proprietor Baizhu had gone out on a house call again. This guy is truly busy.
However, the Shopkeeper quickly realized that Qiqi had been out all night, and that Orion and the others had likely rescued her, so he rushed to express his gratitude to them.
Orion did not accept the gratitude offered by the Shopkeeper on Baizhu's behalf. He simply patted Qiqi's head: "Next time, big brother will play with you again. How about I get you some Coconut Milk to drink next time?"
Qiqi's previously expressionless eyes instantly came alive, and she nodded heavily: "Mhm!"
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After saying goodbye to Qiqi, Orion originally planned to take Chongyun to Yujing Terrace—the area of Liyue Harbor with golden and red tiles—to accompany him to report the situation. However, Chongyun didn't want to trouble Orion everywhere, so he planned to find his good friend to see if they could help make contact.
This idea was also correct, because Orion merely accompanying him would truly only be accompaniment, serving no real purpose. As for Chongyun's so-called friend, there was no need to guess: it was naturally Young Master Xingqiu, the Second Young Lady of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, whom Orion had met once before!
Before going to find Xingqiu, Orion specifically asked Shenhe for her thoughts: "Shenhe, if you have other things you want to do, you don't necessarily have to follow us everywhere."
Shenhe shook her head upon hearing this: "It is fine. I will follow you."
Seeing her resolute attitude, Orion certainly wouldn't drive Shenhe away. In fact, he wished that such a Mature Woman like Shenhe would stick to him.
A Level 100 Shenhe Player!
However, this also brought up minor issues, such as whether or not to reveal the matter of the Miliastra Wonderland to Shenhe. So far, everyone who has received a Pass is either a definite ally, one of his women, or someone like Sucrose, recommended by Albedo.
Although he liked Shenhe, their time together was too short; it hadn't reached that level yet.
After thinking it over, Orion decided that a day or two wouldn't hurt. It would be better to see Shenhe's own attitude first. For the next few days, it wouldn't hurt to pretend to get a room with Skirk and accompany Shenhe in playing the Mortal World Experience game.
Following Chongyun's footsteps, the group arrived at the entrance of a bustling commerce guild. Four large gilded characters were written on the high plaque: Feiyun Commerce Guild!
Chongyun hadn't even said anything at the guild entrance when a zealous Steward, eager to make progress, rushed over: "Oh! Young Master Chongyun, you've arrived! Are you here to see the Second Young Master?"
Chongyun was startled by the Steward's attitude, but quickly reacted: "Yes, we are here to see Xingqiu. Is he here?"
"He is, he is, but, Young Master Xingqiu is currently hosting a guest—"
"Ah? Then we'll come back later. It's better not to disturb him," Chongyun said, about to explain to Orion and the three others, when the Steward suddenly stepped forward and interrupted:
"Wait, no! Young Master Chongyun and Honored Guests, perhaps... slightly interrupting the Honored Guest the young master is hosting might actually be a good thing."
Seeing the Steward's troubled expression, Chongyun's face was filled with confusion: "What do you mean?"
"This... perhaps you should go inside and see for yourselves. Gentlemen, please come in."
The Steward bowed slightly and gestured forward with his right hand, leading the group through a side door into the back courtyard.
The courtyard of the Feiyun Commerce Guild was also incredibly exquisite. This area must have been designated for receiving guests, as it even contained a small Garden.
Passing through several Framed Views, a lively and cheerful voice from the Main Hall reached everyone's ears, preceding the chirping of insects and birds.
"Oh, Xingqiu, just trust this Director Hu! Combine your newly acquired Kamera business with WangSheng Funeral Parlor's services, and I guarantee you a market!"
Orion was stunned by the voice. He wouldn't mistake that voice even if it were reduced to ash.
That voice could belong to a naive elf, an idol, or a crazy loli who loves explosions, but in Genshin, most people would think it's the old man's sugar mommy.
The Director of WangSheng Funeral Parlor—Hu Tao.
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