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I opened a shop on the Astral Train

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Chapter 31 New
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    • Chapter 31


    [System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]


    [System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]


    [System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]

    Hearing the announcement, Yuri quickly gathered everyone. "Alright, everyone, let's step out for a bit. My shop is about to undergo an upgrade."

    Without hesitation, everyone stood up and made their way toward the observation car. The three little ones ran the fastest, their tiny footsteps clattering across the floor as they bolted ahead.

    Soon, they were all in the observation car.

    Silver Wolf, who had been peacefully napping in her "box," now sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, looking thoroughly annoyed.

    "I was sleeping so well, and you woke me up just for some remodeling? Ugh, this is seriously affecting Silver Wolf's rest!"

    Welt looked over at Yuri, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Yuri, you just said your shop is about to be upgraded?"

    Yuri, who was currently communicating with the system, nodded with a smile. "Yep. Something fun is being added. But I won't spoil it—just wait and see."

    Welt and the others exchanged intrigued glances but chose not to interrupt Yuri while he focused on his system interactions.

    [System Notice: The store is undergoing renovations. The host can expand the store for 5,000 Star Coins. Would you like to proceed?]

    Yuri paused for a moment and asked mentally, "How much space will be added?"

    [System Notice: The store will expand fivefold, including 3 booths, 1 lounge area, 1 reception room, 1 host-exclusive lounge, and 1 library.]

    Yuri wasn't too concerned about the booths and additional spaces.

    But the private lounge? That hit him right in the heart.

    Up until now, he and Dan Heng had been sleeping on the floor in the information room.

    "Upgrade it. Now!" Yuri ordered without hesitation.

    [System Notice: 5,000 Star Coins deducted. Store expansion will be completed in one hour.]

    With the system handling the upgrades, Yuri turned back to chat with the others.



    Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, an hour had gone by.

    [System Notice: Store upgrade complete. The host may now return to the store. Wishing you a prosperous business!]

    Yuri grinned at the notification. "Alright, everyone, the upgrade is done. Let's go check it out."

    Welt and the others, brimming with curiosity, followed him back inside.



    Upon entering, everyone was stunned.

    "This… this place got huge!"

    The store still retained its original layout: a kitchen, a small bar, three booths, and the long dining table in the middle.

    But now, a massive new area had been added to the right.

    At the center of this new section was an enormous lounge area, capable of seating dozens of people. Sofas of various shapes and designs were scattered throughout: rabbits, whales, lions, tigers, noodle bowls, gold ingots, thrones—even a lazy beanbag shaped like a trash can.

    The moment Klee, Hook, and Diona saw the animal-shaped sofas, their eyes lit up.

    "Wow! This place is amazing!"

    Giggling, the three little ones rushed over and began hopping between sofas, playing and laughing as they bounced around.

    Yuri called out, "Be careful!"

    The three little ones responded with a quick "Oh!" before continuing their antics.

    Yuri and the others continued their tour.

    Next to the lounge area was the newly added lottery shop, complete with 3 booths and a large display screen showcasing various artworks on the walls.

    The lottery shop itself was simple: five rows of benches with 25 seats, a machine for purchasing tickets, and a massive screen displaying the grand prize.

    This issue's grand prize:

    [Space Jump Ability]


    • Description: Allows the user to consume stamina to perform short-range space jumps. Maximum jump distance: 1,000 meters per use.
    • Value: 100,000 Star Coins

    Everyone's interest piqued immediately.

    A space-related ability? Any power linked to space was bound to be useful.

    Yuri glanced at the ticket price—1,000 Star Coins per ticket.

    Without hesitation, he bought one. Welt, Zhongli, and a few others followed suit.

    "Might as well try our luck," Welt mused.

    After purchasing their tickets, they moved on to another newly added section—a grand reception room.

    The reception room exuded elegance. A massive floor-to-ceiling window allowed natural light to stream in. Near the window was a coffee table adorned with a beautifully crafted tea set, surrounded by lush bamboo and flowers.

    On the left side of the entrance, a small private cinema with just five seats was neatly tucked away.

    Zhongli and Welt instantly fell in love with the place.

    The two exchanged glances and, without a word, claimed seats in the reception room, clearly planning to stay there indefinitely.

    Yuri sighed. "Wow, they're really making themselves at home."

    Turning to Dan Heng, Yuri asked, "What about you?"

    Dan Heng thought for a moment. "I'll check out the library. Looks like there's one next door."

    With that, he left for the newly added library.

    Yuri, on the other hand, made his way to his private lounge.

    Located behind the small bar, his new room was spacious—about 60 square meters. Inside, there was only a sofa, a dining table, a wardrobe, and a two-meter bed.

    "Looks like I'll need to buy some furniture later," Yuri muttered, already planning the décor.

    Meanwhile, Silver Wolf had already returned to her "box," curled up on the sofa with a blanket pulled over her head.



    Time flew by.

    Before anyone knew it, night had fallen.



    Kevin slowly blinked awake, groggy from sleep. Checking the time, he realized it was already close to 7 PM.

    "Wait… I slept the entire day?!"

    He leaped out of bed, hastily got dressed, and hurried toward Yuri's shop.

    Still half-asleep, he pushed open the door—only to freeze in place.

    His drowsiness instantly vanished as he stared at the transformed store in shock.

    "Wait… Did I walk into the wrong place?"

    Confused, he shut the door and double-checked.

    Nope. This was definitely the right location.

    Pushing the door open again, he took another look inside.

    "No! What the hell happened?! I just took a nap, and now the whole store looks completely different?!"

    Silver Wolf, who was eating at the bar, glanced up lazily. "You're not imagining things. That bastard Yuri remodeled the shop while you were out cold."

    Kevin let out an exaggerated sigh. "Damn it, I can't leave for a second without the whole place changing!"



    Kevin wandered into the sofa lounge area and was immediately stunned.

    "This place is huge!"

    His eyes suddenly sparkled as he spotted something irresistible.

    "Hiss!!! What is this?! What is this?! A perfect sofa like this exists in the world?!"

    Without hesitation, Kevin dashed over and flopped onto the trash can-shaped lazy sofa.

    "Ah~ This feels amazing."

    He sank into the plush cushions, pure bliss written all over his face.

    After a moment of relaxation, he shifted slightly and noticed the lottery shop not far away.

    "Lottery shop? What's this?"

    Curious, he got up and wandered inside.

    "A lottery, huh? Let's see what's going on here."

    Kevin examined the setup, quickly getting interested. With a confident smirk, he waved his hand and bought ten lottery tickets.

    "Hehe! This time, I'm definitely winning big!"

    Checking the draw date, he saw there were still two days left. With that, he pocketed his tickets and returned to the lounge area to rest.

    Before long, March 7th, Ying, Amber, Eula, and the others arrived, settling into the newly expanded space.

    Kaeya sat at the small bar, sipping his drink alone.

    At this point, everyone had started treating Yuri's shop like their personal entertainment venue.



    Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor…

    Hu Tao soared off Tianheng Mountain on her flying motorcycle.

    "Wuhu~ The Hall Master is back!"

    She had flown all the way from Jueyunjian, cutting her usual half-day journey down to just half an hour.

    Had she traveled on foot, the mountainous terrain would have made the trip unbearably long.

    She zipped through the skies, heading straight for Yujing Terrace—but the moment she arrived, she alarmed the Qianyan Army.

    "Who goes there?!"

    A squad of Qianyan soldiers immediately surrounded her, weapons at the ready.

    Hu Tao quickly threw up her hands in surrender.

    "I surrender~! Don't hit me~!"

    The soldiers hesitated, then relaxed upon recognizing her.

    "Master Hu? Oh, it's you."

    Hu Tao was well known in Liyue Harbor—after all, she used to roam the streets every day, advertising Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's 'set meals.'

    Despite her odd behavior, the people of Liyue had great affection for her. She might have been eccentric, but she had a kind heart, often helping travelers fend off monsters in the wild.

    One of the soldiers sighed. "Master Hu, that was dangerous. Please don't pull stunts like that again. What if something went wrong?"

    Hu Tao gave a sheepish grin and a deep bow. "Sorry, sorry, I'll be more careful next time. You guys carry on—I'm off!"

    Waving goodbye, she revved up her flying motorcycle and sped toward Wanmin Restaurant.

    As she cruised through the streets of Liyue Harbor, heads turned in amazement.

    "Look! What is that?!"

    "Isn't that Master Hu? What's she riding? It moves on its own!"

    "Could this be some kind of new mount in Liyue? Which shop is selling it?"

    "No idea, but it looks incredible. Let's find out where she got it!"

    Hu Tao ignored the murmurs, focusing on maneuvering carefully through the streets to avoid accidents.

    Soon, she arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.

    Standing up on her motorcycle, she peeked into the kitchen window.

    Inside, Xiangling was busy at the stove, skillfully preparing dishes, while Guoba diligently kept the fire burning.

    A mischievous glint flickered in Hu Tao's eyes.

    "Hehe~"

    She took a deep breath and shouted.

    "Xiangling!"

    Then, she ducked under the window, completely out of sight.

    Xiangling turned her head. "Huh? Who called me?"

    She glanced around, even lifting the curtain at the doorway to check outside.

    Nothing.

    "Guoba, did you hear someone call me?"

    Guoba, still tending the fire, shook his head and shrugged.

    Xiangling frowned. "Weird… Maybe I imagined it?"

    Shrugging, she went back to cooking.

    Hu Tao peeked up from the windowsill again.

    Hehe~ She didn't notice. Time for round two.

    "Xiangling!"

    Once again, Xiangling whirled around—still seeing nothing.

    "Who is it?!"

    Even Guoba perked up, scanning the area.

    Xiangling checked outside again. Customers were still peacefully eating their meals.

    Confused, she sighed and turned back—only to come face to face with a grinning ghost mask.

    "WAAAHHHH!!!"

    Hu Tao had leaped up, baring her fangs like a phantom.

    Xiangling screamed, jumping nearly a meter into the air.

    When she landed, she saw Hu Tao laughing uncontrollably.

    Fuming, she stomped her foot. "Hu Tao! You scared me again! I'm not playing with you anymore!"

    Still giggling, Hu Tao scratched the back of her head and pulled out a bear-shaped handheld fan.

    "Okay, okay, forgive me. Here, I brought you a gift."

    Xiangling crossed her arms. "Hmph. What's this?"

    Hu Tao pressed the switch.

    The fan whirred to life, sending a gentle, cooling breeze across Xiangling's face.

    Xiangling blinked, instantly refreshed.

    "Whoa! Hu Tao, where did you get this?!"

    Hu Tao handed it to her. "So, do you forgive me now? It's called a handheld fan—it can blow air all on its own."

    Xiangling eagerly held the fan to her face. The summer heat in the kitchen was unbearable—this was exactly what she needed!

    "This is amazing! Thank you, Hu Tao! But you still haven't told me where you got it."

    Hu Tao smirked and waved her closer. "Come here, I'll tell you…"

    The two whispered excitedly for a while before Xiangling leaned back, staring in disbelief.

    "Wait, you're telling me you went to another world?! Isn't that a little… far-fetched?"

    Hu Tao nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? But it's true! That fan in your hands? Bought it from there.

    By the way, I still owe someone money. Are you free later? Let's go find some Stellar Jade."

    Xiangling considered it. "Actually, Xingqiu, Chongyun, and I were planning a trip to Dihua Marsh this afternoon. You should come with us."

    Hu Tao lit up. "Xingqiu and Chongyun too? Perfect! It's a plan!"

    With that, she climbed over the windowsill and hopped back onto her flying motorcycle.

    Xiangling blinked in confusion. "Uh… Why didn't you just use the door? It's like you're sneaking off after committing a crime."

    She walked over for a closer look—and froze.

    "What is this thing?!"

    Hu Tao chuckled, twisted the throttle, and the motorcycle roared to life.

    "This is a flying motorcycle. It can fly. I'll pick you up later. Bye~!"

    Before Xiangling could respond, Hu Tao released the brakes and soared into the sky.

    Xiangling stood there, mouth agape, watching her vanish into the clouds.

    "Did I… did I just see a flying motorcycle?"

    Xiangling sighed before muttering to herself about wanting her own motorcycle.
     
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    • Chapter 32


    Hu Tao soared through the skies above Liyue Harbor on her flying motorcycle.

    "Wuhu!!!"

    This spectacle happened to catch the eye of Ningguang, who had stepped out onto the Jade Chamber's balcony for some fresh air.

    "What is that?"

    Nearby, Keqing, who had been working diligently, turned at the sound of Ningguang's voice.

    "What's wrong, Ningguang?"

    Ningguang pointed toward the sky. "It seems Master Hu has gotten her hands on something new. Do you want to come take a look?"

    Keqing, curious, set aside her paperwork and walked over to the window.

    What she saw left her speechless.

    Hu Tao was zooming across Liyue Harbor at high speed, heading toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—riding what appeared to be a flying contraption.

    "What in Teyvat…? What is that thing? How is she flying? Could this be some kind of adeptal treasure?"

    Ningguang took a slow drag from her pipe before setting it down. "Why don't we just go ask her? Baiwen."

    Baiwen, who had been standing attentively by, gave a slight bow. "I'll make the arrangements immediately, Lady Ningguang."



    Meanwhile, Hu Tao pulled off a sharp drift as she landed in her courtyard.

    Once the motorcycle came to a stop, she turned off the engine and hopped off.

    Just as she was about to head inside, she spotted Zhongli walking toward her, a notebook in hand.

    "Hu Tao, you're back early today."

    Hu Tao grinned. "Mhm! What's that you're holding? Something from Yuri's place?"

    Zhongli shook his head. "No, this was given to me by Mr. Welt. It's called a laptop, and it has many interesting functions."

    Hu Tao's curiosity instantly flared. "Oooh, sounds fun! Lemme see!"

    Zhongli chuckled. "Would you like to take a look inside?"

    "That's exactly what I was waiting for!" Hu Tao snatched the laptop from his hands and bolted inside like an excited child.

    Zhongli smiled and followed her.



    Inside Zhongli's home, an air of elegance filled the space. Various antiques adorned the shelves, and calligraphy scrolls hung on the walls, exuding a refined atmosphere.

    Hu Tao plopped down at the table, flipping open the laptop. "Zhongli, Zhongli, come over here and teach me how to use this thing!"

    Zhongli sat beside her, instructing her on how to enter the unlock password and open the video playback software.

    The laptop contained several downloaded movies and TV shows.

    Hu Tao scrolled through the selection, then excitedly picked a horror movie.

    As the screen flickered to life, eerie sounds filled the room, casting an unsettling atmosphere.



    At that moment, outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor…

    Ningguang and Keqing arrived, accompanied by a squad of Qianyan soldiers.

    A ceremonial attendant at the entrance quickly stood to greet them.

    "I greet Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng."

    Ningguang gave a polite nod. "Is your master at home?"

    The attendant thought for a moment. As she had been on duty at the entrance, she hadn't seen Hu Tao leave today.

    What the attendant didn't know was that Hu Tao rarely used the main gate anymore.

    Are you kidding? When you have a flying motorcycle, who walks out the front door? That's ancient history! Flying is the way to go!

    "Yes, she should be home. Please, come in and have some tea while I call for her."

    The attendant led them inside before heading toward Hu Tao's courtyard.

    As soon as she stepped inside, she was greeted by a terrifying ghostly wail.

    The attendant barely reacted. She was used to this. After all, Hu Tao often brought back… "guests."

    Following the sound, she arrived at Zhongli's residence.

    She hesitated. Normally, Zhongli wouldn't be home at this hour.

    Today was the day of Yunjin's performance, and he rarely missed those.

    With that thought, she pushed open the door.

    Inside, she found Zhongli and Hu Tao, seated at a table, completely engrossed in a glowing device in front of them.

    At the sound of the door opening, both looked up.

    Hu Tao grinned. "Little sister, what's up? Got a new client for me?"

    The attendant shook her head. "No, Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing are here. They wish to speak with you."

    Hu Tao blinked, puzzled. Ningguang and Keqing? What could they possibly want?

    "Ohhh~ Could it be a big business deal for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

    After all, Ningguang was the wealthiest person in Liyue. If she had a business proposal, it would surely be something grand!

    "Alright, alright! I'll be right there."

    She quickly paused the movie and turned to Zhongli.

    "Keqing, wait for me! We'll finish watching this when I get back."

    With that, she rushed out the door.

    Zhongli watched her go, already guessing the reason for Ningguang and Keqing's visit.

    They had probably seen Hu Tao's flying motorcycle and wanted to investigate.

    Zhongli wouldn't interfere. In fact, he hoped this encounter would introduce Ningguang and Keqing to Yuri and the others.

    That way, he wouldn't have to explain everything himself.

    With a sigh, he poured himself some tea and settled in for a quiet evening.



    Hu Tao arrived at the reception room.

    She flashed a mischievous grin as she greeted her guests.

    "Oh my~ My, my~ No wonder the birds were chirping all morning! Turns out we have distinguished guests visiting today!

    Good afternoon, Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng! Have you had lunch? If not, why don't we eat together?"

    Ningguang, ever composed, smiled slightly. "Master Hu, it has been a while. We're here today because we had a few questions."

    Hu Tao gestured for tea to be served, then leaned in with intrigue. "Oho~ Ask away! If this Hall Master knows the answer, I'll tell you."

    Ningguang paused before speaking. "Earlier today, we saw someone soaring through the skies on some sort of magical contraption.

    Would you happen to know who this person was?"

    Hu Tao grinned proudly. "That was me! And that thing? It's not some magic artifact—it's a flying motorcycle. I bought it from a friend."

    Ningguang's interest piqued. "A friend? To be honest, I find this flying vehicle quite fascinating. Would it be possible to acquire one?"

    She was already thinking ahead—if she could get her hands on one, she could have Liyue's craftsmen study it. The business potential was immense.

    Hu Tao tapped her chin. "Hmm… Should be possible. Tell you what—I have to visit my friend tomorrow. If you're free, why don't you come with me?"

    Ningguang considered it before nodding. "Very well. Would you mind if I brought two companions?"

    While she trusted Hu Tao, she still preferred an extra layer of caution.

    Hu Tao waved dismissively. "No problem at all! Actually, my friend loves new customers. The more, the merrier!"

    March 7th had told her earlier that she could bring friends to Yuri's shop.

    Well then… time to introduce some high-value customers!



    Afterwards, Ningguang and Keqing chatted with Hu Tao for a while before getting up to leave.

    "Master Hu, see you tomorrow."

    Hu Tao stood up and bowed. "Okay, see you tomorrow!"

    As they departed, Hu Tao glanced up at the sky—it was already noon.

    Deciding to make the most of her time, she asked the ceremonial officer's assistant to have lunch delivered to Zhongli's room, planning to eat while watching a horror movie.


    Inside the Astral Express, it was already evening, and everyone was gathered around the dining table.

    Tonight's meal? Spicy hotpot. Yuri had set out two large pots and let everyone serve themselves.

    Kevin took a big mouthful of instant noodles and sighed in bliss.

    "Yuri, can we just eat spicy hotpot all the time? This stuff is amazing!"

    Yuri rolled his eyes. "If you eat too much, you'll get a sore throat. Just enjoy it in moderation."

    Kevin pounded his chest. "I'm built different! I'll be fine!"

    Yuri smirked. "Yeah, but Klee and the others can't handle spice like you."

    Kevin instantly froze. True. The three little ones had delicate stomachs.

    At that moment, Yuri suddenly remembered tomorrow's trip to the ice field.

    "By the way, have we decided where exactly we're going?"

    Kevin shook his head. "Not yet. Got any ideas?"

    Yuri thought for a moment. "How about the area above the mechanical settlement? Didn't Swarovski open a tunnel there? We can take the portal and be at the ice field in seconds."

    Everyone considered it and agreed.

    March 7th lit up with excitement. "I want to ride a snowmobile! I've wanted to try one for ages! Let's bring some tomorrow!"

    Kevin immediately clapped his hands. "YES! Great idea!"

    Yuri chuckled. "I'll bring a few snowboards too, so we can go skiing."

    He then turned to Klee, Hook, and Diona, who were sitting obediently beside him.

    "I'll also grab some snow gear so you three can build snowmen."

    Welt, sipping his tea, spoke up. "I won't be joining you tomorrow. I plan to head north of Belobog. There's something interesting I want to check out."

    Dan Heng added, "I'll go with Welt."

    As they ate, the crew continued discussing plans.

    At that moment, Silver Wolf stepped out of her private booth, picked up a bowl, and filled it with spicy hotpot.

    Kevin glanced over. "Silver Wolf, wanna come with us tomorrow?"

    Silver Wolf barely spared him a glance before scoffing. "Playing in the snow? Boring. I'd rather stay here and game. You guys go ahead."

    She grabbed a massive bowl of hotpot and disappeared back into her room, slamming the door shut.

    The crew just laughed.

    When they first met Silver Wolf, they thought she was a cold and calculating hacker.

    Now, they understood.

    She was just a gaming addict with a good heart.

    Like yesterday—March 7th's phone had broken, and Silver Wolf had fixed it in minutes.

    Yeah.

    She was alright.
     
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    • Chapter 33


    The crew had just finished breakfast and were busy packing up for their trip to the ice field.

    Hu Tao arrived and, noticing everyone bustling around with bags and supplies, tilted her head in curiosity.

    "What's everyone doing?"

    Paimon hovered over. "We're going to play in the snow! Hu Tao, wanna come with us?"

    Hu Tao's face lit up instantly. "Of course! I love playing in the snow!"

    Himeko, who had been watching nearby, noticed Hu Tao's light clothing and handed her a thick coat.

    "Hu Tao, wear this. It'll be freezing out there."

    Hu Tao took the coat, grinning gratefully. "Thanks Himeko!"

    Himeko chuckled. "You're welcome. Give us a moment—we're almost ready to leave."

    Hu Tao happily nodded.

    At that moment, Yelan, Ningguang, and Keqing walked in.

    The entire crew paused to look at the newcomers.

    Yuri greeted them with a smirk. "Well, well—three beauties gracing my shop. Welcome!"

    Zhongli turned to them. "This is Yuri, the shop's owner. The rest are all his friends."

    Hearing this, Ningguang and her companions introduced themselves.

    "Hello, Mr. Yuri. I am Ningguang. This is our first meeting—I look forward to doing business with you."

    "Keqing."

    "Yelan."

    Unlike Ningguang, Keqing and Yelan kept their introductions brief and to the point.

    Yuri, unfazed, simply chuckled. "Welcome. Has Hu Tao told you how trading works here?"

    Ningguang shook her head.

    Seeing this, Yuri called out, "Noelle, take care of the customers!"

    Noelle, who had been washing dishes, quickly wiped her hands and ran over.

    "Please follow me—I'll guide you through everything."

    Yuri added, "I have some errands to run, so I'll leave you in Noelle's capable hands. She's an excellent clerk. If you need anything, just ask her."

    Hearing herself praised, Noelle's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

    Ningguang smiled. "Alright, we'll handle things here. You go on."

    Noelle then led the three women toward the bar area.

    Zhongli, who had originally planned to leave with Walter, decided to stay behind.

    He had a feeling Ningguang and the others would soon need a loan.

    Meanwhile, Yuri and the others stepped into the portal, heading off to explore the mechanical settlement.



    Not long after Yuri's departure, Ningguang, Keqing, and Yelan had figured out the basics.


    • This wasn't Teyvat. It was an entirely different world, far more advanced than their own.
    • They could use Star Coins to purchase anything from Yuri's shop.

    The three of them spent a long time browsing the display screen.

    But Ningguang was troubled. She had no Stellar Jade on her and thus couldn't get Star Coins.

    Yet, there were so many things she wanted to buy.

    Keqing thought aloud. "Should I go back and bring some?"

    Yelan shook her head. "Pointless. The portal is in Jueyun Karst. It'd take you too long to travel back and forth."

    Keqing sighed. "Then what should we do?"

    At that moment, Ningguang smirked. "I have an idea."

    Keqing and Yelan turned toward her.

    "What's your plan?"

    Ningguang's gaze drifted toward Zhongli, who was sipping tea at a nearby table.

    "I'll be right back."

    Keqing and Yelan immediately understood.

    She was going to ask Zhongli for a loan.

    After all, Zhongli had clearly been here multiple times. There was no way he didn't have Stellar Jade or Star Coins.

    Ningguang approached him. "Mr. Zhongli—"

    Before she could even finish her sentence, Zhongli calmly took out 10,000 Star Coins.

    "No need to explain—I know what you're going to ask. Take this. Just repay me in Stellar Jade when you return."

    Ningguang accepted the Star Coins without hesitation. "Much appreciated. I'll have someone gather the Stellar Jade and return it to you promptly."

    Zhongli gave a small nod before resuming his tea.

    With her newfound funds, Ningguang returned to the display screen, ready to shop.



    Keqing's anxious voice rang out the moment she saw Ningguang return. "How about it?"

    Ningguang offered a slight smile and pulled out a stack of Stellar Jade. "I borrowed it. Let's decide what to buy."

    The three of them took a sip of water and started browsing. Noelle, noticing their cups were empty, quietly refilled them from the kettle. Unbeknownst to them, Zhongli was observing their every move, mobilizing his divine power to discreetly monitor their choices.

    As they debated their options, a disagreement arose between Ningguang and Keqing.

    "We should buy this soil transformation machine first!" Keqing insisted, her tone unwavering. "With it, we can restore Liyue's polluted soil and increase food production!"

    Ningguang shook her head. "The soil issue is important, but Liyue has an abundance of food right now. There's no immediate urgency. I believe we should buy the book 'Vajra Body Tempering Technique' first. Mastering it can give someone the combat strength of a top-tier original god. And once that foundation is built, they can move on to even more formidable techniques, like 'The Divine Elephant Prison Power.'"

    Ye Lan remained neutral, merely watching the argument unfold. Her duty was to accompany Ningguang and Keqing, ensuring their safety. Matters of governance weren't her concern, but deep down, she leaned toward Ningguang's perspective.

    Teyvat was not a peaceful world. Conflicts between nations were inevitable. Military strength was the bedrock of Liyue's survival. Just as the Emperor had once subdued other gods through sheer power to establish the prosperous Liyue of today, force remained a crucial factor in shaping civilization's fate.

    Destroy or survive.

    Zhongli listened in silence, sipping his tea. He was pleased with both Ningguang and Keqing—two of the most capable individuals to have ever served as Liyue's Seven Stars.

    After half an hour of heated debate, Yelan finally stepped in. "Alright, enough. Both of you, calm down."

    Ningguang and Keqing fell silent, turning to look at her. Keqing frowned. "Yelan, whose idea do you think is better—mine or Ningguang's?"

    Yelan exhaled and turned to Noelle. "Noelle, you're from Mond, correct?"

    Noelle blinked, startled. "Ah? Are you talking to me?"

    Yelan nodded. "Yes. Your captain, Jean, was here before, wasn't she? Do you know what she purchased?"

    Noelle thought for a moment. "Emmm… I'm not sure. I haven't been here long."

    Yelan sighed in disappointment. She had hoped to use Mond's choices as a reference.

    Just then, Zhongli spoke. "If I recall correctly, Jean from Mond purchased a martial arts manual and a device capable of repairing a witch's body."

    Zhongli had learned this from Venti, who had once mentioned it to him over drinks. The two had caught up on various topics, including the mysterious figure named Yuri.

    Hearing this, Yelan made up her mind. "Let's buy the martial arts manual first."

    Keqing opened her mouth to protest, but Yelan cut her off. "Keqing, your proposal is valid—food is the foundation of a nation. But as Ningguang pointed out, Liyue is neither starving nor struggling for resources. Strengthening our military should take priority. We're not limited to one trip here. We can purchase the soil equipment later."

    Keqing was taken aback, but she couldn't refute Yelan's logic. She fell into thoughtful silence.

    With that, they spent 8,000 Stellar Jade on the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique" and used the remaining 2,000 on blueprints and rare ores unavailable in Teyvat.

    Once they finished shopping, the three of them approached Zhongli. "Please use teleportation to send us back to Liyue Harbor."

    With Zhongli's assistance, they returned to Yujingtai and took the teleportation array directly to Qunyu Pavilion. Along the way, they discussed the implementation of the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique." In the end, they adopted the same approach as Jean—selecting a faction of the loyal Qianyan Army for initial training.

    Ningguang sat at her desk, resting her chin on one hand as she tapped the manual thoughtfully with her index finger. "Now that the plan is set, the next step is to consult the Emperor."

    Keqing nodded. "The Rite of Descension is approaching. Shall we ask the Emperor then?"

    Yelan and Ningguang agreed. There was no rush—selecting the first trainees would take time.

    At that moment, golden light flickered in the room as a hooded Zhongli materialized. "I am already aware. Proceed as planned."

    And just as quickly, he vanished.

    Ningguang smirked. "Well, that saves us a trip to the Rite."

    Keqing exhaled. "Since we have the Emperor's approval, let's begin. I'll handle selecting the personnel. Ye Lan, you'll oversee the training. Sound good?"

    Ye Lan toyed with the dice in her fingers, a small smile playing on her lips. "Fine by me. Leave the hard work to me."

    Before departing, Ye Lan copied the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique" for herself. She needed to master it before she could teach it.

    Keqing, meanwhile, headed straight for the Qianyan Army headquarters to secretly handpick soldiers loyal to Liyue.

    [Enter Jalil VI.]


    A spaceship bearing the insignia of the Interstellar Peace Corporation descended near Beloberg.
     
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    "Wuhu~"

    "Ah~"

    "Awesome!"

    "Cool!"

    "Ying! Slow down! I'm about to fly out!"

    Several snowmobiles sped across the snow.

    The riders were Kevin, March 7th, Ying, Amber, Eula, and Hu Tao.

    Seele, Bronya, and the others had duties to attend to and couldn't join.

    Kevin, March 7th, and Hu Tao each rode their own snowmobiles, while Ying carried Paimon and Amber carried Eula.

    Paimon clung tightly to Ying's waist, her safety belt securely fastened, but her terrified expression said it all.

    Eula wasn't faring much better. Though her face remained composed, deep down, she regretted every choice that had led her here. Just minutes ago, Kevin and the others had launched their snowmobiles off a massive, towering slope, soaring through the air for what felt like an eternity before crashing back down. The memory sent a shiver down her spine.

    Why did I think this was a good idea? No—why did I let Amber talk me into this?!

    Amber, I'm putting this on your tab!

    The group eventually made their way back to the temporary camp, where Yuri was helping Klee, Hook, and Diona build a snowman.

    Klee had placed Dodoco beside them for reference, and the three little ones carefully sculpted a snowman in its likeness, constantly adjusting and reshaping it.

    Honestly, looking at the three of them together… they resembled their creation more than they realized.

    Not far away, Himeko and Clara were busy assembling a mecha.

    Clara had been eager to test her mechanical skills today and had gone to Yuri to ask for supplies.

    Yuri, however, wouldn't take a single Stellar Jade from her.

    "Clara needs materials to build a robot? Take whatever you want!"

    Himeko studied Clara's blueprints with interest. The design was ingenious—far beyond what one would expect from someone Clara's age.

    The robot was named "Family."

    Designed in human form, it possessed a built-in healing function capable of treating minor injuries—a concept both practical and compassionate.

    Clara, her face smudged with black grease, worked tirelessly, tightening screws with a wrench. She paid no mind to the stains, entirely absorbed in her task.

    After half an hour, Clara finally completed the assembly.

    She wasted no time activating Family.

    The next moment, the robot's eyes flickered to life.

    "Hello, Clara."

    Clara's face lit up with pure joy.

    "Hello, Family! Himeko! I did it!"

    Himeko smiled warmly. Clara's talent for mechanics was undeniable.

    "Congratulations. Now, let's test its functions."

    Clara nodded and ran over to Svarog, who stood nearby.

    "Mr. Svarog, could you help me find some injured people? I want to test Family's healing abilities."

    Svarog immediately dispatched a few mechas to search the mechanical settlement for wounded individuals.

    Before long, several of them returned, guiding a few injured soldiers forward.

    Clara directed Family to begin treatment.

    Minutes later, Clara cheered in excitement.

    With Family's Nano-therapeutic technology—identical to the advanced models used in Black Tower Space Station—their wounds were fully healed.

    As long as someone still had a breath left in them, Family could pull them back from the brink.


    —

    Meanwhile, Kevin and the others skidded to a stop in front of Yuri.

    Kevin grinned. "Yuri, call me when it's almost time for dinner. We're going out farther."

    Yuri nodded. "Got it. Anything in particular you guys want for lunch?"

    Kevin's hand shot up. "Spicy hotpot!"

    Yuri rolled his eyes. "We just ate. Let's talk about it in a few days."

    Kevin deflated. "My spicy hotpot…"

    March 7th chimed in. "Yuri, just keep an eye on the time and call us when dinner's ready. We're going racing!"

    Yuri sighed. "Alright, just be careful."

    "Wuhu!!!"

    "Go, go, go!"

    "Ying!!! I wanna go baaaack!!!"


    —

    Near Belobog.

    A battleship marked with the insignia of the Interstellar Peace Corporation descended.

    Topaz and Jade disembarked, followed by a large group of employees.

    Topaz glanced at Jade. "Why are you here?"

    Jade smiled. "To visit a friend, of course. You do your thing—I'll do mine."

    Topaz sighed. She knew exactly who she was talking about—Clara. She and Jade had struck up an unlikely friendship, frequently chatting whenever they had the chance.

    "Fine. Let's head into the city first."

    Her gaze drifted toward the distant Beloberg settlement.

    "Hard to believe people can survive in a place like this."

    Jade chuckled. "Not for much longer. Things are about to change.

    Suddenly, the distant roar of engines cut through the frigid air.

    Topaz frowned. "Jade, did you hear that?"

    Jade pointed toward a valley. "It's coming from over there."

    The security detail immediately formed a protective line in front of Topaz and Jade.

    Moments later, Kevin and the others burst out of the valley on their snowmobiles.

    Seeing the crowd ahead, Kevin pulled hard on the brakes, sending a flurry of snow into the air.

    The others followed suit, coming to a stop.

    A team leader from the Interstellar Peace Corporation stepped forward. "Halt! Turn back immediately! Or I'll show you just how powerful our company is!"

    With two major executives present, he needed to act tough—there was no way he'd let a group of girls interfere.

    Kevin hopped off his snowmobile, planting his hands on his hips.

    "You think you can order me around? That'd be pretty embarrassing for me, Galaxy Skyfire Man. Now move, I've got places to be."

    Amber, Eula, Ying, and Hu Tao turned to March 7th, curious.

    "March, what exactly does the Interstellar Peace Corporation do?" Amber asked.

    March 7th shrugged. "Business. They're the biggest company in our world, following the Supreme God."

    The group nodded in understanding.

    March 7th stepped up beside Kevin. "That's right! You guys are taking this way too seriously. Step aside!"

    The team leader narrowed his eyes and barked, "Capture them!"

    At his command, a wave of armed employees rushed forward.

    Kevin raised an eyebrow.

    Oh? This could be fun. Might as well use this as a warm-up.

    "Skyfire! Unsheath!"

    [Skyfire—Unsheath!]

    The Judgment of Shamash morphed into a greatsword.

    A moment later, Kevin's voice rang out again.

    "Judgment of Shamash: Tribulation and Destruction!"

    [System Alert: POWERFUL ATTACK WARNING!]

    The blade shifted into its final form—Annihilation Mode.

    [System Alert: FINAL ALERT!]

    Kevin swung his sword.

    "RAHHHHHH!"

    A devastating wave of energy surged forth!



    Half an hour after Kevin wielded the Judgment of Shamash.

    More than half of the Interstellar Peace Company's personnel lay dead or wounded. If not for Topaz and Jade intercepting Kevin's strike, everyone from the company would have perished. Even so, the two of them bore heavy injuries.

    Kevin stared, stunned, at the destruction left in the wake of his sword.

    Hiss! Damn it! I think I messed up!

    In Belobog, the citizens cowered in their homes, staring in terror at the inferno raging just beyond their walls. What was once a frozen wasteland had become a blazing hellscape. Trees toppled as fire consumed them, ice and snow melted into nothing, and even the monstrous Voids—recently freed from their frozen tombs—were reduced to ash in an instant.

    At the gates of Beloberg, Bronya, Seele, and Gepard stood, grim-faced.

    Then, Yuri arrived with Rios.

    They had just finished containing the flames threatening to engulf Beloberg.

    "Yuri, why are you here?" Bronya asked.

    Yuri sighed, rubbing his temples. "Cleaning up someone's mess."

    Bronya frowned. "Mess?"

    Yuri gestured at the inferno in the distance. "Yeah. As expected, this was Kevin's doing."

    Bronya's eyes widened. "Kevin? What happened?"

    Then, a thought struck her—could it be the Star Core?

    Yuri shook his head. "No. If it were a Star Core, the destruction would be even worse. This is the Judgment of Shamash in Kevin's hands. And to be fair, I bear some responsibility—I taught him this technique. I just forgot to warn him how devastating it could be."

    Bronya was speechless.

    Yuri gave a dry chuckle. "Alright, alright. No point dwelling on it. Look on the bright side—once the fire dies down, you'll have a whole new stretch of land to work with."

    Bronya blinked, then gasped in realization. Yes! Once the fire burns itself out, there will be land untouched by ice and snow!

    Wasting no time, she ordered Gepard to gather people. Once the flames subsided, they would begin rebuilding—farmland, settlements, whatever they could manage.

    At the Scene of the Incident

    Kevin stood in awkward silence, the Judgment of Shamash reverting to its dual-pistol form before he holstered it.

    March 7th swallowed hard. "Kevin... don't you think that move was a little too powerful?"

    Kevin struggled for words. "Uh… well…"

    Amber, standing beside Eula, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Yeah, so… maybe we should, you know… run?"

    The girls exchanged glances before hopping onto their snowmobiles, slamming the accelerators, and speeding away.

    Topaz and Jade, watching the scene unfold, were fuming.

    "HEY! They just ran away?!" Topaz stomped her foot in frustration.

    Jade, adjusting her outfit, sighed. "Let it go. In the end, our men were the ones who provoked them first, Let's head to the city."

    Topaz hesitated but ultimately conceded. She made a mental note—after returning, her subordinates would receive some serious training to avoid kicking steel plates like this again.

    Leaving a team behind to secure the area and the company's warship, Jade and Topaz led their people toward Belobog.

    Meanwhile, Kevin and the others rode toward the city as well. Then, his communicator buzzed.

    "Hello? Yuri? Why are you calling me?" Kevin answered cautiously.

    "Where are you?" Yuri's voice was calm. Too calm.

    A chill ran down Kevin's spine. That tone! Was he about to get scolded?

    "I-I'm in the mechanical settlement!" He blurted out an excuse, feeling guilty.

    Yuri sighed. "Right. Sure you are. Get to the administrative district. I'll be waiting."

    Before Kevin could protest, the line went dead.

    Kevin groaned. "Ugh... looks like I don't have a choice."

    He turned to the others. "Guess we're heading to the administrative district."

    More than ten minutes later, they arrived at Belobog's entrance.

    Yuri waved them over. "Kevin, what happened? You run into trouble?"

    Kevin nodded quickly. "Yeah! We ran into company people, and they started it first!" He hurriedly explained, shifting the blame onto the Interstellar Peace Company.

    The moment Yuri heard "company," he had a pretty good guess.

    Topaz must be here to collect on a debt.

    Himeko frowned. "People from the company? What are they doing here?"

    "Not sure yet," Yuri replied. "But I'd bet their destination is Belobog."

    Himeko considered this and nodded. On this planet, there was only one major human settlement—Belobog.

    Not long after, Topaz and Jade arrived, leading a large contingent of company employees.

    The moment Topaz spotted Kevin, She stormed over, fuming. "So here you are! Time to settle this! Let's go!"

    Kevin muttered to Yuri, "See? Told you they started it."

    Then, he pulled out the Judgment of Shamash, ready to fight.

    Yuri sighed. In a flash, he appeared beside Kevin, grabbed his collar, and yanked him back. "Not yet. Let's see if this is just a misunderstanding."

    He released Kevin, who grudgingly relented.

    Topaz was about to roll up her sleeves for a brawl, but Jade stopped hirt.

    "Enough, Let me handle this."

    She stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Jade. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

    Yuri smiled. "Yuri."

    Jade's gaze swept over Yuri and the others. Then, her eyes landed on Kevin—and more importantly, the insignia hanging from his waist.

    Her pupils shrank. The Nameless.

    Everything clicked into place.

    "I see. So the legendary Nameless are also on this planet." She chuckled. "I suppose it makes sense. Given the Star Core corruption here, you wouldn't just sit back and ignore it."

    Yuri smirked. "Naturally. And I didn't expect to find two of the famed Stoneheart Ten in such a remote place."
    Jade laughed lightly. "I came to see an old friend. Topaz, on the other hand, is here on company business."

    Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Friend?"

    Jade turned her gaze toward a certain red-haired girl. "Clara, your sister is here."

    Clara blinked, confused. "Huh?"

    Jade took out her phone and sent a message.

    A second later, Clara's communicator buzzed.

    She checked the screen.

    Sister Jade: Clara, your sister is here.

    Clara's eyes widened in shock before smiling as she looked up at Jade. "Sister Jade!"

    Jade chuckled, covering her mouth. "That's right, Clara."
     
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    Jade called over an employee of the Interstellar Peace Company.

    "Bring me the presents I brought."

    The employee quickly ran to the back, retrieved a book, and handed it to Clara with a smile.

    Jade walked up to Clara and handed her the book. "Here, Clara. This is a gift from your sister."

    Clara's eyes lit up as she saw the title. She had been searching for this book for ages but couldn't find it anywhere online.

    "Thank you, big sister! Clara loves it!"

    Jade smiled warmly. "As long as you're happy."

    She turned to see Topaz already deep in negotiations with Yuri. A thought crossed her mind.

    "Clara, can you show me where you live?"

    Clara nodded eagerly and led Jade toward the mechanical settlement. Seeing this, Himeko followed as well. She had heard of Jade before—members of the Stoneheart Ten were not to be underestimated.

    Half an Hour Later – Mechanical Settlement

    As soon as they arrived, Clara spotted Svarog waiting for her.

    "Welcome home, Clara."

    The family of robots echoed the sentiment.

    "Welcome home, Clara."

    Clara beamed. "Mr. Svarog, family members, Clara is back! This is my big sister, Jade."

    Jade observed the two robots with great interest. They weren't just machines; they had developed their own personalities.

    "Hello."

    Svarog scanned Jade up and down. "Welcome to the Mechanical Settlement."

    Then, turning to Clara, he said, "Clara, go rest. I'll have food prepared."

    Clara smiled brightly. "Okay!" She then took Jade inside.

    Excited, Clara introduced her family of robots like a child showing off schoolwork. Jade listened carefully, impressed by Clara's mechanical talent. Despite only a few days of learning, she was already building robots of her own.

    Suddenly, an Alarm Blared Across the Settlement.

    Clara and Himeko rushed outside, where Svarog was already mobilizing the mechas.

    "Mr. Svarog, what's happening?" Clara asked urgently.

    Svarog's mechanical voice remained steady. "A large hostile force is approaching. Preparing for defense."

    Himeko, using a telescope, scanned the outskirts. Her expression darkened.

    "Antimatter Legion."

    Jade's brows furrowed. "Why are they here?"

    Himeko thought for a moment before realization hit. "They must have been frozen by the Star Core. Now that it's sealed—and after Kevin's sword strike—these antimatter legions have been released."

    Jade sighed. This planet was one disaster after another. First the Star Core, now an Antimatter Legion attack.

    With no time to waste, she and Himeko joined the battle.

    Even Clara pulled out a homemade pistol and started firing.

    But the enemy numbers were overwhelming. The mechas fell one by one. Despite the efforts of Svarog, Himeko, and Jade, the situation was dire.

    Soon, the defensive line was breached, and Voids poured into the settlement.

    At that moment, the lights on Family No. 1 turned red.

    "Killing mode activated."

    In an instant, Family No. 1 charged forward, punching through a Void's chest and tearing it apart.

    A wave of virtual soldiers lunged at it, but Family No. 1 kicked them away with ease, slaughtering them one by one.

    Himeko, watching in astonishment, muttered, "Wasn't Family No. 1 just a medical robot? Where did this power come from?"

    Clara had followed Yuri's blueprint precisely. The only explanation Himeko could think of was that Yuri had provided some unusual materials.

    With Family No. 1 on the battlefield, they managed to hold the line.

    Reinforcements Arrived.

    Kevin and the others raced in on snowmobiles, accompanied by a large force of Silvermane Guards.

    Kevin jumped off, drew the Judgment of Shamash, and was about to unleash another devastating attack—until March 7th grabbed his arm.

    "Hold it! Don't use that move again."

    Kevin sighed and nodded. Instead, he charged forward, swinging the Judgment of Shamash in melee combat.

    Rios walked calmly into the battlefield, unfazed by the approaching Voids.

    "A raging fire spreads across the land!"

    With a single stomp, flames erupted outward, instantly reducing the surrounding Antimatter Legion to ashes.

    From another direction, Weltand Dan Heng joined the battle. They had just returned from collecting samples when they encountered the siege.

    Welt's Star of Eden hummed as it absorbed energy, forming a miniature black hole that swallowed the enemies whole.

    Dan Heng dashed into the fray, reinforcing the settlement's defenses.

    On a Nearby Hillside.

    Yuri and Bronya overlooked the battlefield.

    "What are these monsters?" Bronya asked.

    Without hesitation, he ordered the company's employees to join the fight. If Yalilo-VI was going to become company property, they couldn't let it be wiped out by the Antimatter Legion.

    After an Intense Battle, the Mechanical Settlement Stood Victorious.

    Svarog addressed the group. "Thank you for assisting in the defense of the Mechanical Settlement."

    Kevin and the others shrugged it off. "It was nothing."

    Bronya smiled. "Mr. Svarog, no need to thank us—we're family."

    Topaz, on the other hand, was less sentimental. "No need to thank me. I was just protecting the company's assets."

    Everyone turned to him in confusion.

    Bronya frowned. "Company assets?"

    Topaz nodded, pulling out her phone. "Yep. And you might want to take a look at this."

    She handed the phone to Bronya, who scanned the screen—her expression quickly turning pale.

    "How… could this happen?"

    Kevin peeked over her shoulder.

    "Whoa! That's a lot of credits! Bronya, did you owe the company this much?!"

    Bronya shook her head, completely stunned. "I don't know. I've never even heard of this debt."

    Topaz smirked. "Of course you haven't. You borrowed it who knows how many years ago."

    Bronya stared at the endless string of zeros, feeling a chill run down her spine.



    In Bronya's office in the Belobog Administrative District, negotiations had reached a temporary standstill. Bronya asked Topaz to rest while she took time to consider her options.

    She was deeply troubled. She never imagined Belobog was burdened with such an enormous debt. Just when life was beginning to improve, another crisis had surfaced, threatening to drag her people back into hardship.

    Bronya decided to consult Kevin and the others about how their company had previously handled financial matters in Belobog and what the outcomes had been.

    Meanwhile, Topaz made her way to the mechanical settlement, where she found Jade enjoying a meal.

    Today's lunch, provided by Yuri, consisted of sauerkraut pork dumplings.

    "Jade, I'm here," Topaz announced.

    Jade, mid-bite, glanced up. "You came just in time. We just started eating. Want some?"

    Topaz hesitated. Jade, how are you already so friendly with the people we were fighting just this morning?

    Jade, noticing her hesitation, packed a bowl of dumplings and handed it to her. "Come on, try them. They're delicious. I was actually thinking of asking Yuri to sell me the recipe. I want to bring it back so those so-called chefs at the company can learn how real food is made."

    Topaz caught a whiff of the dumplings, and her stomach rumbled. Glancing over, she saw Kevin devouring his dumplings enthusiastically.

    With a sigh, Topaz relented. After all, it was my side that picked the fight first. Kevin's sword had left an impression—the surviving employees of the Interstellar Peace Company were walking on eggshells in Belobog, afraid to overstep their bounds.

    Topaz took a bite. It was undeniably delicious.

    Not long after, Bronya arrived, spotting Topaz and Jade enjoying their meal. She made her way toward Kevin, who was sitting with March 7th, Stellar Jade, Amber, Eula, Hu Tao, Paimon, and Seele.

    Kevin, too impatient to eat one dumpling at a time, had skewered eight dumplings on his chopsticks.

    "Watch this!" he declared, stuffing all eight into his mouth at once.

    The girls were momentarily stunned before bursting into applause.

    Not to be outdone, Hu Tao shot to her feet. "This hall master shall do the same!"

    One by one, the others joined in, and soon, the dining table resembled a scene of frenzied hamsters stuffing their cheeks with food.

    Bronya approached. "Good afternoon, everyone."

    Seeing her, Seele quickly moved her utensils aside to make room. She called out for a plate and a set of chopsticks for Bronya.

    By the time Bronya sat down, Seele had already placed a fresh serving of dumplings in front of her.

    The dumplings had been stored in an insulated container—Yuri had made hundreds at once, ensuring there was plenty for everyone.

    "Bronya, try these. They're really good," Seele encouraged.

    Bronya forced a smile and took a bite.

    Hu Tao, sitting across from her, noticed her troubled expression. "Bronya, something's on your mind. What is it?"

    Bronya sighed, then explained Belobog's massive debt crisis.

    March 7th frowned. "Bronya, you cannot sign that agreement. It's just a debt, right? We'll work hard and pay it off."

    Bronya nodded. "That's true, but it will make life extremely difficult for future generations of Belobog."

    Seele patted her chest. "So what? We survived the Star Core disaster—why should we be afraid of a little debt?"

    Bronya smiled faintly. The people of Belobog are strong—we've always endured hardship.

    However, the company demanded immediate repayment, and Belobog's credit was already overdrawn.

    Just then, Yuri walked over, holding Klee in his arms.

    "Bronya, I have a way to settle this debt."

    Bronya perked up. "Really? What's the solution?"

    Yuri smirked. "I can bring someone in to help. If she agrees, your debt will be nothing more than a minor inconvenience."

    Kevin leaned in curiously. "Who is it? Someone we know?"

    Yuri chuckled. "You and March 7th know her—the stationmaster of the Herta Space Station, Asta."

    The moment he said Asta's name, March 7th and Kevin immediately understood.

    "Of course! If Asta steps in, this will be settled in no time!" March 7th exclaimed, smacking her forehead.

    Seeing their reactions, Bronya felt reassured. She quickly made a decision.

    "Yuri, please arrange a meeting."

    Yuri set Klee down, ruffling her hair. "Klee, go play with Himeko for a bit. I've got something to do."

    Klee nodded obediently and ran off.

    Yuri pulled out his phone and dialed.

    Asta's voice came through. "Good afternoon, Yuri."

    "Hey, Asta. Are you free? I have a friend who wants to discuss business with you."

    "I'm free. Shall I meet you at your shop?"

    Yuri considered it, but then remembered the Herta Space Station had no portal connection to Belobog. "I'll send you a location—come by if you're available."

    Asta agreed, and they ended the call.

    Yuri turned to Bronya. "She's on her way."

    Bronya let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Yuri."

    Yuri grinned. "No problem. But you should start thinking about how you're going to repay the favor."

    Bronya nodded, then pulled Kevin and the others into a huddle to discuss the matter.



    Herta Space Station – Departure Platform

    Asta arrived at the platform with a team of guards, preparing to board a starship to Yalilo-VI.

    Just as she was about to step inside, Herta suddenly appeared.

    "You're heading to see Yuri? Take me with you."

    Without waiting for an answer, Herta strolled aboard the starship.

    Asta sighed. She always does whatever she wants.

    By the time Asta entered, Herta had already claimed a spot on the sofa, dropping a bag of Star Rail magazines beside her.

    Herta eyed Asta curiously. "Why the sudden trip to see Yuri?"

    Asta adjusted her gloves. "Yuri called me. He said a friend of his wants to discuss business."

    Herta smirked. "This should be interesting."
     
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    After dinner, everyone gathered in Bronya's office.

    "Lady Bronya, have you made your decision?" Topaz asked.

    Before Bronya could answer, Yuri interjected, "Don't worry, we're still waiting for someone."

    With that, Yuri took a leisurely sip of tea, exuding a sense of calm.

    Topaz frowned, about to push for an answer, but Jade spoke first. "Alright, let's wait a little longer. No need to rush."

    Seeing this, Topaz huffed and sat back in her chair while folding her arms and closing her eyes.

    Hu Tao fidgeted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable with the oppressive atmosphere. She wanted to leave but knew she had to support Bronya.

    Well, friendship is important, after all~

    Kevin, feeling equally bored, leaned back in his chair. He glanced at Yuri, who was still sipping his tea, and suddenly felt curious—why did Yuri, Zhongli, and Uncle Yang all love tea so much?

    "Just what are they putting in that tea...?"

    Now that he thought about it, he hadn't had tea since waking up on the space station.

    Kevin tugged on Yuri's sleeve and pointed at his mouth. "Yuri, give me a cup of tea."

    Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? My tea is bitter."

    Kevin shook his head. It didn't matter—he just wanted to satisfy his curiosity.

    With a smirk, Yuri poured him a cup.

    Kevin took it, recalling how he had seen Yuri and Zhongli drink tea before. He lifted the cup, inhaled the aroma, closed his eyes, relaxed, took a sip, and let the taste settle before swallowing.

    Oh… this is kinda nice.

    Without a word, Kevin extended his cup for another pour.

    Seeing this, March 7th, Asta, Amber, and Eula became curious as well and asked for a cup each.

    Yuri, shaking his head, simply placed a plate of small cakes on the table.

    "Tea party! Show time!" March 7th cheered.

    The girls' eyes lit up at the sight of the cakes, each taking their favorite piece.

    Jade and Topaz also helped themselves.

    Klee gasped at the sight of a cake shaped like a Dodoco.

    "Wow~ It's a little cake!"

    "Where, where?! Let Hook see!"

    "Cake? Hmph, I bet it tastes even better with wine," muttered Diona.

    Yuri helped Klee get the Dodoco cake.

    Klee twirled in delight. "Thank you, Brother Yuri~!"

    Yuri chuckled. "Share it with the others, okay? Too much cream isn't good for you."

    Klee nodded obediently and carefully cut the cake into three portions.

    "This is for Hook~"

    "This one is for Diona~"

    "And this is Klee's!"

    The three little ones happily dug in.

    At the table, the eating styles were divided into three groups:


    1. The wild eaters—Kevin, Seele, Paimon, and the like—who simply stuffed their food into their mouths, completely ignoring knives and forks.
    2. The elegant ones—Himeko, Jade, Topaz, Bronya, and Eula—who ate neatly with small bites.
    3. The normal ones—Asta, Amber, and March 7th—who ate at a reasonable pace.

    As everyone enjoyed their cakes, the door suddenly opened.

    Yuri assumed Asta had arrived, but instead, Zhongli stepped inside.

    After greeting everyone, Zhongli calmly took a seat next to Yuri and poured himself some tea.

    Yuri swirled his cup slightly. "Everything settled on your end?"

    Zhongli nodded. "Yes."

    Yuri smirked. "And?"

    Zhongli remained as composed as ever. "It's done."

    Jade watched Zhongli carefully, concern growing for Topaz. This Zhongli isn't ordinary… If he steps in during negotiations, Topaz might not stand a chance.

    Just as she was contemplating how to assist, the door opened again—this time, it was finally the right person.

    Asta entered, leading none other than Herta into the room.

    The moment Herta arrived, she made a beeline for Yuri's shop.

    "Dan Heng, take her to the mechanical settlement portal," Yuri instructed.

    Jade's eyes widened in shock. This group… is actually connected to Herta?! And they seem to know her well…

    Then again, she recalled that the Astral Express crew often helped Herta collect strange artifacts.

    Asta walked up to Yuri. "Mr. Yuri, long time no see."

    Yuri smiled. "Indeed. Have a seat."

    After Asta settled in, Yuri called out to Bronya. "Bronya, my friend is here. You can talk to her now."

    Asta turned to Bronya. "Hello, I'm Asta."

    Bronya approached and extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Bronya. If possible, I'd like to speak with you in private."

    Asta nodded and followed her into another room.

    Topaz sat frozen. What the hell?! Asta's here?! And she looks like she's helping pay off the debt?!

    Before long, Bronya and Asta emerged from their discussion.

    Asta turned to Topaz. "Director Topaz, it's been a while. Last time we met was at the company's annual meeting."

    Topaz forced a smile. "Yes, Miss Asta. So… what's the decision?"

    Asta pulled out a sleek black card. "Swipe my card."

    Topaz hesitated but gestured for an employee to bring over a high-value transfer machine.

    Once the transaction was complete, Topaz returned the card to Asta.

    Curious, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss Asta, what did Miss Bronya offer you in return?"

    Asta smiled. "Bronya agreed to provide 10,000 Stellar Jade in installments. That's all."

    She then turned to Yuri. "Yuri, can you take me to your shop? I'd like to make some purchases."

    Seeing the matter resolved, Yuri nodded and began gathering everyone for their departure.

    After finishing their business, the group returned to the Astral Express.

    Zhongli, Welt, and Dan Heng meticulously preserved their collected samples, turning leaves and minerals into properly labeled specimens. Welt explained each step, and Zhongli, fascinated by the process, carefully crafted a leaf specimen with his own hands.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the group sprawled across the tea break area, deeply immersed in gaming.

    "Guys! Protect me! I'm the shooter!" March 7th wailed as she was once again ambushed by an assassin.

    Kevin, Asta, Eula, and Hu Tao launched a full counterattack, decimating the enemy ranks.

    With Silver Wolf joining the team, their victories came even faster, propelling them to King rank.

    As the hours passed, a new idea sparked among the girls.

    "Hey, Do you guy's have anything planned for tonight?" Kevin asked between matches.

    Hu Tao smirked. "Nope! What are we going to do?"

    The group all thought for a second for Silver Wolf suddenly spoke up.

    "Let's go to that one place! Er...Tevyat!"

    "Hmm...I don't see why not!" Kevin said happily in response.

    "Sounds fun!" March 7th grinned. "Let's go together."

    "We'll need a way to get to Liyue," Eula noted.

    Kevin glanced at Yuri with a knowing smirk. "We've got someone who can teleport us."

    Yuri sighed but relented, opening a portal. "What a drag..." muttered under his breath.

    As the swirling energy stabilized, Kevin, March 7th, Silver Wolf, and the others stepped through, bound for Teyvat.



    The girl's and Kevin walked through the portal to Liyue.

    Kevin would then summon "Venti's online car-hailing service" with a bottle of wine.

    "Such a strange way..." Hu Tao said to herself mostly, but Kevin picked it up.

    "These thing's just happen you know?" Kevin chuckled to himself.



    Meanwhile, back on the Astral Express, Himeko suddenly approached Yuri.

    "Yuri, is there something special about the materials you gave Clara to assemble the machine soldiers?"

    Yuri nodded. "Of course. Clara's machines deserve the best.

    "At their core, I installed a super-intelligent system loaded with advanced combat techniques. The body materials? All sourced from a high-tech, sci-fi world. Let's put it this way—if you pit Family No. 1 against two Creation Engines, it would hold its own."

    Himeko was momentarily speechless. "Two Creation Engines? Yuri, that's overkill."

    In her opinion, Clara might be the most powerful person on Jarilo-VI at this point. Not even Bronya, Seele, or anyone else could compete with Svarog and his machine army.



    Jade and Topaz returned to their battleship to rest.

    After finalizing her reports and sending out the necessary communications, Topaz stretched out on the couch. "I didn't expect Asta to swoop in and resolve everything."

    Jade idly stirred her black tea, the spoon rotating at a steady pace along the rim of the cup. "At least things turned out well, and the debt was collected without unnecessary conflict."

    Topaz nodded. That much was true.

    Then, a thought struck her. "Hey, Jade, did you hear? Asta mentioned that Bronya paid her 10,000 Stellar Jade in installments. Is Stellar Jade really that valuable? Asta looked like she just won the jackpot."

    Jade glanced at her tea, contemplating. "It's worth investigating. Stellar Jade is everywhere, but no one really knows its full potential."

    Topaz considered her words before offering, "Want me to ask Asta directly?"

    Jade shook her head. "No, let's go to Lady Guardian. She might know something."

    Topaz agreed. "Alright, but for now, I'm getting some rest. See you tomorrow."

    Jade inclined her head slightly. "Good night."

    With that, Topaz headed off to her quarters.



    Inside Liyue Harbor

    Venti used his divine power to transport the Star Maidens to the entrance of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor before hovering in place.

    "Alright, this is as far as I go," Venti said lazily.

    Before he could slip away, Kevin grabbed him. "Hold on! You're taking us back later."

    Venti looked reluctant. "Huh? Didn't you just say you needed a ride to Liyue Harbor?"

    Kevin waved dismissively. "Don't worry about the details. I'll even buy you a few more bottles of wine when we get back."

    The moment Venti heard "more wine," his attitude flipped. "Ah, Kevin, why so formal? Of course, I'll take you back. I'm definitely not doing this just for the wine. It's all about friendship, you know?"

    With that, he vanished into the wind.

    Hu Tao, Amber, and Eula exchanged confused glances.

    "So… he's actually the Wind God of Mondstadt?" Hu Tao asked.

    Amber and Eula sighed. "Yeah, as much as we hate to admit it, that's Barbatos."

    Hu Tao suddenly had a realization. "Wait, if he's the Wind God… then what about Zhongli?"

    Kevin smirked. "Oh, right. Hu Tao, did you know Zhongli is actually the Geo Archon?"

    Hu Tao's brain short-circuited. "WHAT?!"

    Ying nodded. "Yep. He told us himself back when we helped Dvalin."

    Hu Tao stood frozen for a few moments before crouching down, trying to process the information.

    The others hadn't expected her to be so shocked.

    March 7th was about to console her when Hu Tao suddenly sprang up. "Wait a second! My employee is the Geo Archon?! This is great news!"

    She bolted inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. "Hey! Someone make me some flyers! Print them with a portrait of Keqing!"

    Rubbing her hands together excitedly, she grinned. "Hehe~ If Lord Rex Lapis works here, there's no way people will hesitate to book my funeral packages!"

    The Star Maidens stood in stunned silence.

    Then again, maybe this was exactly why Zhongli chose the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—because Hu Tao genuinely cared about him without treating him like a deity.



    After finalizing their preparations, the group set out for Wuwang Hill.

    As they walked through the streets of Liyue, Kevin and March 7th marveled at the city's architectural beauty.

    "March, look over there! That place looks like a library, but it's actually a restaurant!" Kevin pointed.

    March 7th turned to see a culturally rich building bustling with diners. "Wow… that's so cool. Liyue is full of surprises."

    The sun had begun to set by the time they reached Yujing Terrace.

    "Wow! The sunset is gorgeous!" Amber exclaimed.

    The others nodded in agreement.

    From their vantage point, the market below was alive with merchants calling out their wares, while beyond the docks, the sea stretched endlessly. The golden hues of the setting sun reflected off the water, bathing everything in warm light. Seagulls hovered over the waves, finishing their day's hunt before returning to their nests.

    After a moment of silent admiration, Hu Tao led them onward.

    A shadow moved behind them.

    A man with short orange hair quietly tailed the group.

    Childe.

    Recently recovered from his injuries, he was once again tracking Hu Tao.

    "Hopefully, this time, things go a little smoother…" he muttered before following them.



    Leaving the city limits, Hu Tao performed a ritual at an altar, summoning a restless spirit bound by lingering resentment.

    Within seconds, the ghost lashed out.

    Hu Tao sighed. "Why do I always get customers like this? Just accept your fate peacefully!"

    With a swift motion, she struck with the Staff of Homa, dispersing the malevolent energy. Then, she placed a talisman on the spirit, sealing it back into an urn.

    She huffed. "I thought this would be an easy job, but nope. Now I have to carry this urn all the way there."

    Kevin, watching in fascination, asked, "Hu Tao, can you teach me your techniques?"

    Hu Tao grinned. "Sure!"

    Just then, a gust of wind blew past.

    Ying caught a shadow moving behind Amber. A hooded figure leapt out.

    "Amber!" Ying shouted, intercepting the attack and cutting down the assailant.

    The group tensed.

    "A Fatui debt collector," Eula muttered.

    Amber clenched her fists. "Ugh! The Fatui again?!"

    A dozen more emerged from the shadows.

    Kevin conjured a flaming spear, forming a protective barrier around them.

    Then, Childe emerged from the trees, clapping. "Not bad. You react quickly."

    Kevin narrowed his eyes. "Who are you, and why are you after Amber?"

    Childe smirked. "Me? You can call me Childe."

    Paimon frowned. "Why would you want to be called 'Child'?"

    Eula's eyes widened. "Childe… Fatui Harbinger?"

    Childe grinned. "Bingo! Since you're so sharp, I'll be generous. Let's fight—all of you, at once."

    The girls exchanged glances.

    "Oh, this guy is cocky," Hu Tao chuckled.

    Kevin held up a hand. "Wait. Let's decide who gets to fight him."

    After a quick huddle, the answer was clear.

    Kevin stepped forward, gripping his weapon with intensity.

    "Judgment of Shamash—unsheathed!"

    Kevin stared with a fierce expression.

    "You'll be facing me today."
     
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    • Chapter 37


    A few minutes later, Childe lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath, his posture reminiscent of a fallen king. Kevin glanced down at him with a mix of amusement and disdain.

    "I thought you were supposed to be powerful," Kevin sneered. "Is this it? You're done before I even get serious? Pathetic."

    But even as he mocked, his gaze lingered on Childe's armor. It was well-crafted, undeniably stylish. When he got back, he'd have to visit Yuri's shop and buy himself a set.

    With that, Kevin called on Hu Tao and the others. No point wasting time here—Wuwangpo sounded like a far more entertaining destination. He made up his mind: along the way, he'd get Hu Tao to teach him some ghost-catching techniques. And once they arrived... well, he'd finally get to test them.

    "Heh, little ghosts," Kevin murmured to himself, grinning. "Here I come."

    After Kevin and his group left, Childe struggled to his feet. His entire body ached.

    "Why is Liyue full of monsters?" he muttered, shaking his head.

    He prided himself on his strength, his martial prowess. Back home, he was unmatched. But ever since he arrived in Liyue, he had been crushed—twice. Yesterday, he at least managed to take two strikes from that so-called immortal. Today? Completely overwhelmed. Even after activating his Demon King's Armor, he had been cut down in an instant by that man...Kevin....

    A cold realization settled over him. If these people were this strong, then how powerful was the Geo Archon, the god of Liyue?

    "I don't think I've offended Her Majesty..." he murmured uneasily. "So why did she send me here to steal the Heart of God from the Rock King?"

    Thinking of Liyue's strength, he suddenly doubted even his captain's chances.

    "Damn it..."

    He looked around at the battlefield. All his men—the debt collectors he'd brought—had been utterly defeated. None of them had stood a chance.



    Two days later, inside Yuri's shop, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Nearly everyone who had ever purchased from Yuri had gathered for the lottery draw.

    Among them were two girls, Topaz and Jade, who had arrived after consulting with Bronya. Jade had reported their findings to Diamond, who had immediately issued an order: establish a friendly relationship with Yuri. Moreover, Diamond had quietly arranged for people to collect Stellar Jade in secret. If what Jade and Topaz claimed was true, this could be an invaluable opportunity for their strategic investment division.

    As the shop filled with chatter, Kevin stood off to the side, shaking the ten lottery tickets he had bought.

    "Alright, alright, this time, I'm definitely winning!" he boasted. "Why are you all wasting time discussing my abilities?"

    March 7th huffed in irritation.

    "Hmph! You don't know that for sure!" she shot back.

    "That's right! I've always been super lucky!" Ying added confidently.

    Meanwhile, Hu Tao stood to the side, uncharacteristically quiet, her brows furrowed in concern. Kevin noticed.

    "Hu Tao, what's with you? Why so down?"

    Hu Tao let out a dramatic sigh.

    "I checked Wangsheng Hall's accounts yesterday. Business is terrible," she grumbled. "And to top it off, Zhongli is the worst guest ever! He's the Geo Archon, and yet he insists on paying for everything like a normal person! Damn it!"

    Topaz, who had been listening, suddenly spoke up.

    "Why not start a side business? You know, to bring in extra income?"

    Hu Tao hesitated. Wangsheng Hall had a long history of guiding souls to the afterlife. Would branching out be appropriate?

    Zhongli, ever calm, chimed in.

    "Master, I believe Miss Topaz has a point. With our resources and manpower, we could open a side business. The additional funds could help promote Wangsheng Hall."

    Hu Tao thought it over. It wasn't like she would abandon her core work—just use her free time to earn some extra money.

    "What kind of business should I start, though?" she mused, rubbing her chin.

    Silver Wolf, who had been lazily playing a video game, suddenly spoke up without looking away from her screen.

    "Open an internet café. That'll make you a ton of money."

    Hu Tao blinked.

    "An internet café? What's that?"


    Silver Wolf sighed. "It's a place where people rent computers to go online. Didn't your guest bring back a laptop? You charge people by the hour to use one."

    Hu Tao's eyes sparkled. That actually sounded... genius.

    "Alright, let's try it! I'll go find Yuri and buy some computers!"

    Silver Wolf waved her off.

    "No need. I've got you covered."

    With a flick of her fingers, she used Ether Editing to open a portal. Moments later, ten computers materialized in front of them.

    Hu Tao gaped. "Whoa! Silver Wolf, you're amazing!"

    Feeling grateful, she pulled out 1,000 Stellar Jade and held it out.

    "I don't know how much these cost, but is this enough?"

    Silver Wolf glanced at the money and waved it away. "Nah, these are old models. Worthless, really. But they'll work fine for a 'classic' internet café." She smirked. "How about instead of money, you just bring me meals every day for a month?"

    Hu Tao beamed. "Deal! Let's add each other as friends so you can tell me what you want to eat!"

    With that settled, Silver Wolf also agreed to help set up the network and management system. And so, the first internet café in Liyue was set to open.



    Meanwhile, Yuri stepped behind the counter, drawing everyone's attention. It was time for the lottery draw. The room fell silent as he reached into the counter and pulled out a numbered ball. Slowly, he turned it around for all to see.

    Kevin dropped to his knees, wailing. "Noooo!" He had bought ten tickets—10,000 Stellar Jade—and still lost.

    In contrast, Dan Heng calmly examined his single lottery ticket.

    "Hm? Looks like I won."

    March 7th gawked. "Wait, you actually bought a ticket?!"

    Dan Heng nodded. "Mr. Welt and the others were buying, so I got one too."

    As he handed over his ticket, a glowing scroll materialized and floated toward him. At Yuri's instruction, he tore it open.

    In an instant, knowledge flooded his mind—how to use "Space Jump."

    Testing it out, Dan Heng vanished from his spot, reappearing near the bar without leaving a trace.

    March 7th hurried to his side. "Well?! How does it feel?"

    Dan Heng nodded. "Very good."

    March 7th sighed. "Can't you elaborate?"

    Dan Heng considered for a moment. "It works very well."

    March 7th facepalmed. "Forget it..."

    Back at the shop, a new lottery prize appeared on the screen:

    [Next Prize: Swordsmanship] [Value: 130,000 Stellar Jade] [Draw Countdown: 7 days, 23 hours]

    This time, Kevin only bought one ticket. He had finally learned the truth—luck mattered more than quantity.

    Meanwhile, Himeko, Welt, and Pom checked the train. If all went well, they would set out for their next stop tomorrow.



    Hu Tao and Silver Wolf found Yuri to open a portal, and the two traveled to Teyvat.

    After arriving in the Clouds, Hu Tao walked toward the flying motorcycle she had parked earlier that morning.

    Just as she was approaching, Hu Tao suddenly froze.

    What she saw was… a large bird, disassembling her motorcycle. It was almost completely dismantled, with parts scattered all over the ground.

    "What is this? I've never seen such a construction technique before," Hu Tao muttered in disbelief.

    The large bird in question was none other than the true monarch, who stays in the clouds and borrows the wind—Liuyun.

    Liuyun had just retreated after crafting a small object to prepare for a leisurely stroll outside. Upon leaving, he noticed the flying motorcycle parked near the entrance of his cave. Curiosity piqued, he couldn't resist and decided to take it apart to investigate.

    Hu Tao sprinted toward the body of the jet bike, her hands trembling as she grabbed a handful of parts.

    "Wow!! My poor jet bike! It's in pieces!" she cried out dramatically.

    Liuyun, looking at Hu Tao, realized he might be in trouble. He had been so fascinated by the motorcycle that he forgot it wasn't his.

    Glancing at the scattered parts, Liuyun shrugged.

    "It's fine. I'll put it back together for you."

    He straightened the motorcycle body and surveyed the mess of parts, only to freeze in place.

    Hu Tao, watching Liuyun hold the bike, questioned, "Didn't you say you'd fix it for me?"

    Liuyun was silent for a moment.

    "It seems that this immortal has forgotten how to put it back together."

    Hu Tao fainted on the spot.

    What's going on!?

    Liuyun, noticing Hu Tao collapsed on the ground with an utterly defeated expression, pondered for a moment.

    "How much did this thing cost? I'll compensate you," he offered, trying to make amends.

    Hu Tao slowly stood up and sized up Liuyun, her face still full of disbelief.

    "Forget it. I'll find someone else who can fix it. You just stay here and keep an eye on the parts so they don't go missing."

    Liuyun eagerly agreed.

    "Don't worry. Even though this immortal doesn't know how to assemble it, I can certainly keep an eye on things!"

    Hu Tao nodded and walked into the portal.

    When she emerged from the portal, Hu Tao scanned the store and found Wendy enjoying a drink at the bar.

    Running up to Wendy, Hu Tao asked, "Wendy, have you seen Mr. Welt or Himeko?"

    Wendy shook her head.

    "Mu You~ What's going on? Can I help with something?"

    Hu Tao sighed dramatically.

    "My motorcycle got dismantled by a big bird fairy, and I need Mr. Welt or Himeko to help me fix it."

    Wendy immediately realized who the "big bird fairy" was. There was no doubt—it had to be Liuyun, who, driven by curiosity, dismantled Hu Tao's motorcycle for research.

    Wendy gestured to Clara, who was quietly studying in the corner.

    "Why don't you ask Clara? She might be able to help."

    Hu Tao brightened at the suggestion and hurried over to Clara.

    "Clara, are you free?"

    Clara looked up and smiled warmly when she saw Hu Tao.

    "Hu Tao~ What can I do for you?"

    Hu Tao sighed, looking at the scattered parts. "My jet bike is in pieces. Can you help me fix it?"

    Clara looked at the mess, eyes wide, but without hesitation, she crouched down to start sorting through the parts.

    After a quick assessment, Clara smiled. "The parts are all intact. No damage. The only issue is putting it back together. It'll take some time, but it's doable."

    The Silver Wolf, who had been watching quietly, took out a game console and began playing.

    Liuyun, meanwhile, observed Clara working, initially skeptical about a little girl being able to handle it. But as she started assembling the parts, his doubt began to fade.

    A moment passed.

    Huh, this little girl knows what she's doing. I can't believe it.

    Another moment.

    Wait a minute—she's almost finished?!

    Liuyun stared in disbelief. No way! This little girl is amazing! She actually managed to put it all back together!

    Clara, now finishing the final touches, ran a quick test of the bike's smart system.

    At that moment, Liuyun grabbed Clara's hand and announced, "This son has a fairy fate! From now on, you shall be my disciple. Come, let me take you to my cave and show you my treasures."

    Clara, caught off guard, didn't have time to react before Liuyun pulled her toward the cave.

    Hu Tao, completely stunned, blinked in confusion. What is this big bird doing?

    She quickly realized that the "immortal" was trying to take Clara away and rushed forward to stop him. But it was too late.

    Clara had already been whisked away.

    "Stop! No! You're an immortal! How can you do this?" Hu Tao shouted in vain.

    She ran to the cave entrance, but when she tried to open the door, it wouldn't budge.

    Silver Wolf, observing Hu Tao's distress, raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Zhongli your boss here? Why don't you ask him for help?"

    It clicked for Hu Tao, and she immediately ran to find Zhongli and Yuri, hoping they could help her rescue Clara.

    She burst into the reception room, gasping for breath.

    "Zhongli! Oh no! Clara's been abducted!" she cried.

    Zhongli and Yuri both stood up, frowning in concern.

    "Didn't Clara go with you to the Clouds just now? What happened?" Zhongli asked, his voice steady.

    Hu Tao explained, out of breath, "A big bird fairy took Clara as a disciple and dragged her off to the cave!"

    Yuri and Zhongli exchanged a look. They both understood exactly who was behind this—Xianyun.

    "Xianyun… picking up children as disciples. That's just her style," Zhongli said, shaking his head.

    They quickly followed Hu Tao to the cave, where Zhongli confronted Xianyun, forcing him to release Clara.

    Xianyun stood sullenly, watching Clara walk through the portal back to safety.

    "Humph!" Xianyun grumbled, clearly upset that her plans had been thwarted. "I finally found a disciple who could inherit my teachings, and the Emperor won't let me keep her!"

    Zhongli, staring at the immortal, couldn't help but chuckle. It was a peculiar situation, but Xianyun's antics were well-known.

    Back in Liyue Harbor, Hu Tao and Silver Wolf were busy cleaning out a room near the gate for the new Internet café.

    "We can get rid of this, and this one's not needed," Hu Tao instructed, directing the staff from the Afterlife.

    The staff worked quickly, and soon the room was ready. Silver Wolf, however, was already ahead of her, setting up 10 computers on the table.

    "Where's the small satellite Himeko gave you?" Silver Wolf asked.

    Hu Tao handed over a small round satellite, which Himeko had gifted her for the café. Silver Wolf set it down on the ground, and moments later, the satellite launched into the sky, covering all of Liyue Harbor.

    With the satellite set up, Silver Wolf began configuring the Internet café system, installing necessary software and games.

    After about an hour of hard work, Silver Wolf was done. "All set," he said with satisfaction.

    Hu Tao, having returned from getting food, passed it to Silver Wolf. "You worked hard. Eat something first. I picked up some dishes from Wanmin Hall."

    Silver Wolf gratefully accepted the meal and ate, while Hu Tao familiarized herself with the new system.

    Afterward, Silver Wolf provided some tips on running the café.

    "Get a fridge. Ask March 7th or Kevin to buy drinks online, and stock up on snacks and instant noodles. That'll help bring in some money."

    With everything ready, Hu Tao's new Internet café was almost set to open.
     
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    Welt, Kevin, and March 7th hurriedly drew their weapons and rushed forward.

    Turning the corner, they spotted several Demon Yin Body soldiers, their forms tangled with vines and branches, surrounding a Cloud Knight. Without hesitation, the trio sprang into action.

    Kevin brandished the Judgment of Shamash and in a flash, he was upon the enemies. His blade sliced through the air, leaving no room for resistance—the Demon Yin Body soldiers fell instantly.

    The Cloud Knight Yanqing, breathed a sigh of relief as the danger passed.

    Welt stepped closer, scanning the fallen bodies of the Cloud Knights and the Demon Yin soldiers. "What happened here?"

    Yanqing steadied himself before replying, "These were agents of the Medicine King's secret faction. They were planning an attack on Beacon Harbor. Thank you for intervening. Judging by your attire, you're not from Xianzhou, are you?"

    Welt nodded. "No, we're members of the Astral Express."

    At the mention of the nameless travelers, Yanqing's tense posture eased. "Ah, so you're the fabled Nameless. Welcome to the Luofu Immortal Boat. However, I must warn you—Luofu has been in turmoil lately. If you came for leisure, you might have chosen the worst possible time."

    March 7th shook her head. "We heard about the star core explosion. We're here to help."

    Yanqing sighed. "True to your reputation—always willing to lend a hand. Our main force is ahead. Let's move to a safer location."

    The trio agreed and followed Yanqing toward the station. Along the way, more Demon Yin Body soldiers ambushed them, but Kevin swiftly cut them down with his sword, leaving little time for resistance.

    Upon reaching the station, the sight before them was horrific. The area had been completely overrun—fallen Cloud Knights and Demon Yin soldiers littered the ground, painting a gruesome scene of carnage and bloodshed.

    Then, a cry for help rang out from within the station. Without hesitation, the four of them sprinted toward the source.

    They arrived to find another group of Demon Yin soldiers, this time surrounding a cluster of Cloud Knights. At the center of the group stood a fox woman, guarded desperately by her allies.

    Upon seeing Kevin and the others, she immediately called out, "What are you waiting for? Help us!"

    The trio wasted no time, engaging in battle and swiftly dispatching the enemies. Once the last Demon Yin soldier fell, the fox woman let out a relieved sigh and gave a graceful bow.

    "I am Sushang. Thank you for your assistance. May I ask for your names?"

    March 7th grinned. "I'm March 7th."

    Just as she was about to introduce the others, Kevin interrupted, grinning. "Call me the Galactic Fireman."

    March 7th groaned. He was at it again. She made a mental note—once this mission was over, she was taking him to Black Tower to get his head examined.

    Sushang chuckled behind her hand. "You're quite amusing, Fireman. This place is dangerous—please, follow me. I'll take you to safety."


    —

    Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express, Jean and Lisa had once again returned to Yuri's shop, prepared for another round of shopping.

    Over the past few weeks, the Knights had worked tirelessly, successfully gathering 2,000 Primogems. These could now be exchanged for 20,000 Stellar Jade.

    This time, Jean had one goal—to purchase something that would boost Mondstadt's economy.

    The Wind Spirit Technique was already being practiced by nearly 100 selected knights, though progress was slow. At their current level, they could only manipulate small amounts of wind energy. Jean and Lisa had agreed that purchasing another combat technique would be premature. Instead, they needed something practical.

    Taking a seat at the small bar, Lisa sipped her tea, then turned to Yuri with a knowing smile. "Yuri, we're looking for something that could help develop Mondstadt's economy. Any recommendations?"

    Yuri pondered for a moment. "Mondstadt is famous for its alcohol, right? Have you considered purchasing new brewing recipes?"

    Jean tapped her chin. "That's a good idea, but ingredients might be an issue. Some of the recipes might require materials we don't have in Teyvat. We'd have to cultivate them ourselves."

    For example, Mondstadt's signature apple brew relied on a unique variety of apples grown only within its borders. Imported apples never quite had the same flavor.

    Jean thought for a moment longer before asking, "Yuri, do you have any crops that are easy to grow, have a high survival rate, and can be used to make alcohol?"

    Yuri opened the shop's interface and began searching. After a moment, he found exactly what she was looking for.

    [Item: Spiritual Wheat Seeds]

    Description: Wheat seeds from the world of Xianxia, infused with faint spiritual energy. Enhances the surrounding environment and promotes rapid growth.

    Price: 1 Stellar Jade per pack.

    [Item: Spiritual Beer Recipe]

    Description: A beer brewing formula that utilizes Spiritual Wheat as a primary ingredient, along with various fruits. Long-term consumption improves physical constitution.

    Price: 1,000 Stellar Jade.

    Yuri displayed the items for Jean and Lisa. After reviewing them, the two exchanged a glance and nodded.

    "We'll take them," Jean declared. She promptly purchased 5,000 packs of seeds. Each pack covered one acre, meaning Mondstadt would soon have 5,000 acres of Spiritual Wheat farmland.

    Jean planned to establish a large-scale farm on the outskirts of Mondstadt, assigning knights to guard and oversee its development.

    After making the purchase, she sent the seeds and recipe back to her office, where Kaeya and a team of knights stood ready to transport the goods.

    With that settled, Jean returned to the bar, her remaining funds at 14,000 Stellar Jade.

    "Anything else you'd like to buy?" Yuri asked.

    Jean hesitated. "I'm not sure yet. We need more hands to carry out these projects, but manpower is currently stretched thin. Many of our knights are still on expedition."

    Yuri smiled

    "I understand!"



    Inside the Dead Hall Internet Café, Zhongli sat at the front desk, sipping tea.

    Childe walked in, glancing around before spotting Hu Tao. She was watching a horror movie on her laptop, lazily tossing potato chips into her mouth.

    "Are you getting on?" Zhongli asked calmly from the front desk.

    Childe blinked in confusion. "Getting on? What do you mean?"

    Zhongli elaborated, "Would you like to try our services?"

    Understanding dawned on Childe. "Ah, yes. I want to play."

    Zhongli responded, "998 Mora for half an hour. Please wait in line over there."

    Childe followed Zhongli's gaze and saw over a dozen people seated on benches, all waiting for their turn. The sight made him chuckle.

    "Waiting in line? Sorry, that's not my style."

    He approached one of the seated individuals. "How about 100,000 Mora for your spot?"

    The man's eyes widened. That kind of deal was too good to refuse. Without hesitation, he accepted.

    With a smirk, Childe handed over the money and took the first spot in line.

    The others in line didn't protest. After all, their own positions remained unchanged.

    Zhongli observed Childe and silently pondered whether to proceed with handing the Gnosis over to the Cryo Archon.

    Originally, he had planned to trade it to her, believing that her path could truly save Teyvat. But now, with Liyue thriving and the possibility of relocating to the Broken Iron World to terraform a new planet, he questioned the necessity of that deal.

    After a brief deliberation, he decided to contact the Cryo Archon soon and cancel the transaction. Her path was uncertain, and interplanetary migration seemed far more reliable. If such a move required assistance, they would need the favor of Celestia, making it unwise to offend them.

    Soon, Childe took his seat and began playing. On the recommendation of another guest, he started a game called Meteor Butterfly Sword.

    At first, he found it easy—too easy. But as he progressed past the tutorial, he encountered a much tougher challenge.

    The AI enemies fought back aggressively, forcing him to take the game seriously.

    Childe leaned forward, gripping the mouse tightly. "Alright, now we're talking. Time to get serious."


    —

    Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express, Dan Heng sat in the library, staring at a book he couldn't focus on. Every few minutes, his eyes drifted to the window, his thoughts elsewhere.

    After another failed attempt to read, he sighed and closed the book. He couldn't take it anymore.

    Leaving the library, he wandered into Yuri's shop, where Yuri and the three little ones—Klee, Hook, and Diona—were watching cartoons on a large screen.

    Yuri, lying lazily on the sofa, grinned when he noticed Dan Heng's expression. "What's with the long face?"

    Dan Heng hesitated before replying, "Nothing."

    Yuri smirked. "Yeah, right. If you're that distracted, just go. Rios and I have things under control here. If you don't settle this, it'll keep eating at you."

    Dan Heng considered this for a moment before nodding. Without another word, he turned and left the shop.

    Yuri chuckled. "Didn't say anything, but his actions speak loud enough."

    Just then, Klee tugged at Yuri's sleeve. "Yuri~ Can we go out and play?"

    Yuri looked down at her bright, expectant eyes. How could he say no to that?

    He smiled and ruffled her hair. "Of course! Let's go."

    The three little ones cheered, jumping off the sofa to grab their shoes.

    Yuri glanced over at Noelle, who was tending the bar. "I'll leave the shop to you. We're heading out."

    Noelle nodded. "Leave it to me."

    Yuri then turned to Rios. "Keep an eye on the train. If anything happens and you can't handle it, take everyone and retreat. Got it?"

    Rios gave a small bow. "Understood."

    With everything arranged, Yuri led the three little ones off the train, setting off for Luofu.
     
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    (Flashback, Right before the opening of the Dead Hall Internet Cafe)

    The warm glow of lanterns flickered against the dark wood of the newly opened Dead Hall Internet Cafe, casting long shadows as Hu Tao and Zhongli stepped inside.

    The scent of freshly brewed tea mixed with the faint smell of polished wood, and the quiet hum of idle computers filled the air.

    Hu Tao twirled around, hands stretched out as if embracing the space. "It's finally ready! My very own internet cafe! My ancestors must be thrilled I'm keeping the family business alive… in a very different way..."

    Zhongli chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the room

    "You've certainly taken a creative approach. Though I must admit, the name is… unique."

    Hu Tao grinned, adjusting the skull-shaped charm hanging from the café's sign. "Dead Hall Internet Café! A place where the connection never dies! Ghosts, gamers, and even you grandpa! are all welcome to sit back, click away, and embrace eternity!" She struck a dramatic pose before bursting into laughter.

    Zhongli shook his head with a soft smile. "It's quite the venture. Though, I assume this is more than just another business experiment?"

    Hu Tao's expression softened as she glanced at the empty chairs, soon to be filled with friends, travelers, and lonely souls seeking connection. "Yeah… I think people need a place where they can be together, even if it's through a screen. I've spent my life making sure the dead are honored, but the living… they need care too."

    Zhongli watched her with a knowing look, the wisdom of countless ages in his amber eyes. "You have always understood the balance of life and death better than most."

    Hu Tao gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of her head. "Aw, come on, don't get all sentimental on me! You'll make me cry before we even open!"

    Zhongli simply smiled. "Shall we begin, then?"

    Hu Tao clapped her hands together, eyes shining. "Let's do this! Welcome to Dead Hall Internet Café! Where your ping might be scary, but the vibes are always lively!"

    And with that, she flipped the sign to Open.



    (Present Time)

    Hu Tao watched Childe play Meteor Butterfly Sword with an intense focus as she scribbled notes regarding his rather impressive gameplay.

    "So you do some of that...A little bit of this..." Hu Tao muttered to herself.

    Zhongli meanwhile, sighed as he drank another sip of tea while watching the sight.

    "If she does this with every customer...."



    Luofu.

    Kevin, March 7th, and Welt arrived at the entrance of the hotel arranged by Zhanyun after spotting Yukong.

    March 7th was still fuming. "Ugh, Yukong's attitude was awful! We came here to help!"

    Kevin shrugged. "What can we do? We made our choice, and now we have to see it through."

    Then, turning to March 7th with a smirk, he added, "But hey, coming here isn't entirely a loss."

    March 7th looked at him suspiciously. "Oh? And what's the silver lining?"

    Kevin pointed to a wooden treasure chest nearby. "Look over there!"

    March 7th's eyes lit up. "Oh-ho! A treasure chest!"

    Treasure chest = Stellar Jade!

    She instantly caught on to Kevin's excitement. "Didn't Yukong just say we could explore freely? Hehehe~"
    Kevin and March 7th giggled mischievously and waved Welt off as they set off on their hunt for treasure chests.

    Welt, shaking his head at their antics, decided to take a walk and gather intel.

    Kevin and March 7th combed the area, looting every chest in sight. Their suspicious glances around, coupled with their almost predatory excitement, drew wary stares from passing citizens. Many hurried away from the two, their expressions a mix of confusion and unease.

    Near the entrance of Nevernight Harbor, a familiar voice called out.

    "Kevin! March 7th!"

    Turning, they saw Klee sprinting toward them.

    Kevin was surprised. "Klee?"

    She crouched down, catching the running girl and lifting her into a hug. "What are you doing here?"

    Klee grinned. "Yuri brought me! And Diona, Hook, and Dodoco here too!"

    As soon as Klee spoke, Yuri approached, carrying Diona in one arm and Hook in the other, with Dodoco following behind.

    "Yo, Kevin, March. Didn't expect to run into you two here."

    March 7th blinked. "Yuri, why are you here?"

    Yuri ruffled Hook and Diona's hair. "The little ones wanted to go out and explore, so I brought them along. What about you two? How's it going?"

    March 7th immediately pouted, crossing her arms. "Don't even get me started! We met Yukong, and she was so cold toward us, wouldn't let us get involved at all. If it weren't for General Jing Yuan stepping in, we'd probably be kicked out of Luofu entirely."

    Yuri chuckled. "Luofu's in crisis right now. It's understandable that they're cautious with outsiders. Anyway, good luck with that. I'll take Klee and the others to play. Are you two heading back for dinner later?"

    Kevin perked up at the mention of food. She loved Yuri's cooking—especially the spicy hotpot.

    March 7th nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Keep two seats for us!"

    Yuri gave them a thumbs-up before leading the kids forward.

    Kevin and March 7th continued their treasure hunt.


    —

    Half an hour later.

    Yuri and the kids arrived at Changlian Sky. As they stepped into the bustling square, a commotion erupted nearby.

    "Out of the way! Get out of the way! This lady can't stop!"

    Yuri turned toward the voice and spotted a small girl with dragon horns and a ponytail dashing toward them. Despite her short legs, she was running at an impressive speed, leaving a group of flustered adults struggling to keep up.

    Yuri instantly recognized her. "Well, if it isn't 'Dragon Lord' herself."

    "Move! I'm not stopping!"

    Bailu was headed straight for them. She saw Yuri blocking her path and frantically waved her hands.

    Before Yuri could react, Dodoco stepped in front of him, acting as a living cushion.

    With no time to slow down, Bailu crashed straight into Dodo's fluffy belly and bounced back slightly. Before she could fall, Dudu reached out and caught her.

    Bailu let out a relieved sigh, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Whew~ That was close. Almost took a tumble."

    The group chasing her finally caught up.

    "Miss Bailu, please return with us peacefully."

    Bailu crossed her arms stubbornly. "No way! I finally escaped, I'm not going back!"

    The leader sighed. "Miss Bailu, forgive us, but we have no choice. Brothers, take her back!"

    As they moved to grab her, a bomb suddenly dropped from above.

    "Bouncing Bomb! You're not allowed to bully people!"

    Klee stood atop Dudu's shoulders, pulling bouncing bombs from her backpack and tossing them with expert precision.

    The pursuers panicked, covering their heads as explosions erupted around them.

    "Where did this little girl come from?! Who let a child carry explosives?!"

    Had Alice been here, she'd have proudly declared: "What's wrong with Klee having a few bombs? This is nothing! Right, Dvalin?"

    Within moments, the pursuers scattered, fleeing for their lives. Yuri, surveying the damage, decided it was best to leave before any authorities showed up.

    Scooping up the kids—including Bailu—he bolted from the scene, using his high-speed envoy-level abilities to whisk them away to Jinren Alley in mere seconds.

    Jinren Alley, once a bustling commercial district, had lost much of its former prosperity. Only a handful of shops remained open.

    As Klee adjusted her backpack, Bailu turned to her, looking impressed. "Thanks for helping me out. What's your name?"

    Klee turned around, grinning. "Are you talking to Klee?"

    Bailu nodded. "Yeah. Your name is Klee, huh? Nice to meet you. I'm Bailu."

    Klee giggled. "Hi, Sister Bailu! Why were those guys trying to catch you?"

    Bailu pouted. "I ran away. If I go back, all I'll do is study, study, and study some more. It's so boring!"

    Klee gasped. "Oh no! Klee understands! Klee hates being grounded! If Klee's grounded, she can't go out to play!"



    Bailu entered the train and looked at the lively atmosphere, feeling incredibly happy.

    She had spent years in the oppressive environment of the Alchemy Commission, and it had always felt stifling.

    This was why Bailu often ran away—she simply couldn't stand the atmosphere.

    It wasn't that she disliked learning. In fact, she genuinely wanted to study medicine to help others. But the rigid and serious environment of the Alchemy Commission was unbearable for her.

    "Bailu~ come here, we're watching cartoons!"

    Bailu snapped out of her thoughts and saw Klee calling her from the sofa tea area.

    "Okay! I'm coming!"

    She quickly ran over, her little legs moving as fast as they could.

    The four little ones sat close together, watching cartoons and enthusiastically discussing the characters on screen.

    "Wow, Klee thinks this cat is so silly. It can't catch the mouse at all~"

    "Hook thinks so too."

    "How can a cat be this dumb? The ones at my tavern are much better."

    "Yes, yes! If it were me, I would have caught the mouse already!"

    Not long after, a portal flickered.

    Bronya, Seele, Natasha, Gepard, Pela, Silver Wolf, and Lynx stepped through.

    Bronya looked around and saw Yuri and Noelle busy in the kitchen.

    "Yuri, Noelle, we're here."

    Hearing this, Yuri looked up.

    "Welcome, welcome. You all go have fun—I still need some time here."

    Noelle nodded in agreement. "Welcome, everyone."

    Seeing Yuri preparing ingredients, Natasha patted Bronya on the shoulder.

    "Bronya, you take them to play. I'll help Yuri."

    Saying that, Natasha walked into the kitchen.

    "Yuri, is there anything I can help with?"

    Yuri glanced at her. "You and Noelle can help wash and chop the vegetables."

    Natasha rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

    Bronya led the group from Belobog to the sofa tea area.

    For Bronya, Jepard, and Seele, this was familiar territory. However, newcomers Lynx, Pela, and Silver Wolf felt a bit reserved.

    Silver Wolf adjusted quickly due to her bold nature, soon blending in with the people from Mondstadt.

    Lynx and Pela, however, were much more socially anxious. If Bronya hadn't introduced them, they probably wouldn't have spoken at all.

    Amber noticed how reserved Lynx and Pela were and directly pulled them to sit next to her.

    "Lynx, Pela, hello! I'm Amber, the scout knight of the Knights of Favonius."

    "This is Eula, the Spindrift Knight of the Knights of Favonius."

    Lynx and Pela quickly greeted them. "Hello, hello."

    Eula crossed her arms. "Amber, did I ask you to introduce me? Hmph! I'll remember this!"

    Lynx and Pela froze. "Ah! She holds grudges! Are we in trouble?!"

    Amber just chuckled. "Yep, yep. You've already remembered so many grudges—what's one more?"

    Seeing Lynx and Pela's nervous faces, Amber reassured them. "Don't worry, Eula's a good person. She says she holds grudges, but it's just a habit of hers."

    Eula huffed. "Oh, Amber, are you calling me insincere now? I'll remember this!"

    Lynx and Pela exchanged glances. "Ohhh, so that's how it is."

    Before long, Amber's chatter eased them into the conversation, making the atmosphere much livelier.

    Not long after, Hu Tao, Zhongli, Ningguang, Yelan, Keqing, and Cloud Retainer arrived.

    Hu Tao was in a fantastic mood. Her internet café business was booming, with full seats all day. Even when she left, people were still waiting for a spot, and some wealthy customers had even booked overnight sessions.

    Hu Tao made her way straight to Silver Wolf's private room, wanting to thank her.

    After all, it was thanks to Silver Wolf's help that she was able to set up the internet café.

    She even brought a box of golden silk shrimp balls from Xiangling as a token of gratitude.

    Opening the door, she found Silver Wolf completely focused on her game.

    The room was small, furnished with only a sofa, a table, and a wardrobe for her clothes. For washing up, Silver Wolf used March 7th's room.

    "Silver Wolf, what are you playing?" Hu Tao plopped down beside her, curiously peering at the screen.

    Silver Wolf glanced at her. "Just a small game. People online said it was interesting, so I tried it. It's okay, I guess."

    Then, she noticed the box in Hu Tao's hands.

    "What's that?"

    Hu Tao opened the box and picked up a golden silk shrimp ball. "Try it! These are from my good friend Xiangling—golden silk shrimp balls! Thanks for your help yesterday."

    Silver Wolf waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing. These shrimp balls do look good, though."

    She picked one up, popped it into her mouth, and immediately, the fresh, sweet shrimp flavor exploded across her taste buds.

    "Mm~! This is really good!"

    Hu Tao grinned. "Glad you like it! Oh, by the way, do you have any more computers? I want to buy some."

    Silver Wolf, still munching on a shrimp ball, nodded. "Yeah. How many do you need?"

    Hu Tao thought for a moment.

    She planned to convert two more rooms into gaming spaces, adding 50 more computers.

    "50 units. Do you have that many? How much?"

    She was determined to buy them this time. Silver Wolf had already given her 10 computers before, which was incredibly generous. She didn't want Silver Wolf to foot the bill again.

    Silver Wolf quickly did the math. "These are older models, so they're about 80,000 credit points each. Total comes to 4 million credit points. Do you have gold or antiques? I can sell them online and use the credits to buy the computers."

    Hu Tao found this reasonable.

    She had initially considered paying with Stellar Jade, but since exchange rates were unclear, this was a safer bet.

    Standing up, she grinned. "Wait here, I'll be right back—I'm going shopping!"

    With that, she left Silver Wolf's private room and stepped into a portal.

    Not long after, she had returned.

    Zhongli, who had been leisurely sipping tea, suddenly noticed the vase in Hu Tao's arms. His pupils trembled.

    Wasn't that the vase he had painstakingly negotiated for with a collector from Liyue?
     
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    Zhongli saw Hu Tao enter Silver Wolf's private room with the vase in her arms and immediately felt something was off.

    What was going on?

    Suspicious, Zhongli moved to the side of the private room and discreetly eavesdropped on the conversation inside.

    A conversation emerged from the inside.

    "Silver Wolf, have you listed it?"

    "Yeah, yeah, it's up. It might not sell immediately, though."

    "No rush, no rush. As long as it sells. How much did you list it for?"

    "I put it up for 6 million first. Maybe some rich fool will buy it."

    Suddenly, Hu Tao's excited voice rang out.

    "Wha—?! Someone bought it already?! 6 million credit points!"

    "Oh wow, we actually found a sucker. Let me check… Ah, it's 'Gold Dust,' one of the Ten Lords of Shi Xin. This guy's loaded."

    Hearing that his vase was being sold, Zhongli knocked on the door.

    Hu Tao opened it and poked her head out.

    "Oh? Do you need more tea?" Hu Tao smiled sheepishly.

    Zhongli sighed. "I saw you take my vase."

    Hu Tao didn't even try to deny it. "Yep, I took it. I sold it to buy more computers."

    "Y-You...Sold it?-"

    Alright, alright, go do your thing. I need to discuss the machines with Silver Wolf."

    With that, she shut the door in his face in a hurry.

    Zhongli stood there, stunned. His precious vase! He had loved that vase, often tending to it and carefully dusting it when he had free time.

    Feeling dejected, Zhongli walked over to the tea break area.

    Venti, who was also in the break room waved at Zhongli upon entering, but noticed his gloomy posture as he sat down.

    Seeing this, Venti raised an eyebrow.

    "Old man, what's up with you?"

    Zhongli muttered under his breath, an eerie whisper. "Vase… Vase… Vase… Hehehe… It's gone."

    Venti immediately thought of the vase Hu Tao had been holding earlier and put two and two together. Patting Zhongli's shoulder, he sighed.

    "Old man...my condolences."



    Meanwhile, Silver Wolf received the payment.

    She immediately transferred 4 million credit points to the supplier, leaving the remaining 2 million deposited into Hu Tao's account.

    The two agreed to set up the new computers tomorrow. Silver Wolf even offered after-sales service, promising to install them personally.



    At the tea break area, Bronya was chatting with Jean when Ningguang and Keqing approached.

    Ningguang greeted Jean with a smile. "Hello Jean! Is this our first official meeting?"

    Jean immediately recognized her. "Ningguang? It's a pleasure to finally meet you!"

    Ningguang chuckled. "What were you two discussing?"

    Jean replied, "We were talking about experiences in governance."

    Ningguang's interest piqued. "Oh? Mind if we join? Let me introduce myself—this is Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."

    Keqing nodded. "Hello, I am Yuheng of Liyue. Very Pleased to meet you."

    Bronya and Jean introduced themselves in turn, and the four women sat down to talk.

    Jean turned to Bronya. "Bronya, you may not know this, but Ningguang is the ruler of Liyue. She has far more experience than us."

    Ningguang smiled modestly. "Oh, it's just a few tricks."

    The conversation quickly evolved into an exchange of governance strategies. With Ningguang and Keqing joining in, the discussion became even more engaging. Before long, Bronya and Jean found themselves taking notes while Ningguang and Keqing shared their insights.



    Later...

    Yuri had finished preparing the food, and everyone gathered around.

    Welt, Kevin, and March 7th made it back just in time for dinner. As soon as they returned, Kevin and March 7th rushed to the bar to exchange their hoard of Stellar Jade.

    This time, they had hit the jackpot. Last time in Belobog, Bronya had led a team to loot treasure chests. But now? Kevin and March 7th had swept through nearly every chest in Luofu, raiding Stellar Jade from the Xianzhou Luofu, The Astral Sea, Changlian Sky, Huixing Port, and Jinren Lane.

    There were barely any chests left standing.

    Kevin dropped a massive bag of Stellar Jade onto the bar and placed it onto the exchange scale.

    Kevin handled the exchange, while March 7th sorted the converted Star Coins.

    With the two working efficiently, the exchange was completed quickly.

    Everyone watched in shock as the final tally was revealed.

    Hiss! 300,000 Star Coins!

    Kevin and March 7th split it evenly—150,000 each.

    Kevin grinned as he pocketed his half. "I am the richest man alive!'"

    March pouted in response. "Hey! What about me!"

    "You can get...uh...um...extra barbeque skewers from me!" Kevin sheepishly remarked.

    Yuri glanced at the exaggerated display and smirked. "Kevin, enough gloating. It's time to eat."

    Kevin immediately stopped showing off and dashed to his seat, eager for food.

    March sighed and muttered "Troublesome" to herself.


    —

    Tonight's dinner was hotpot. Yuri set up five large pots along the long table in front of the small bar.

    The table could only seat 20 people, so Yuri, Zhongli, Welt, Kevin, and the other men stood while the girls and four little ones took the seats.

    The children were delighted. For them, the more people gathered to eat, the tastier the food seemed.

    Bailu was the happiest of all, her little tail wagging non-stop as she excitedly chatted with Klee, Hook, and Diona.

    "Klee's gonna eat lots of meat later~"

    "Hook too!"

    Diona, however, had her eyes set on fish. "You guys eat meat, I'll have fish! I saw Yuri cut up so much fresh fish fillet, hehe~"

    Bailu, ever the little doctor, spoke like an adult. "You can't just eat meat—you need vegetables too for a balanced diet."

    Hook blinked. "What's 'balanced diet' mean?"

    Bailu thought for a moment and then explained simply. "Basically, if you only eat meat, your body won't be healthy."

    Hook nodded in understanding. "Got it! Hook will eat some veggies later!"

    Klee raised her hand. "Klee too!"

    Diona added, "Yeah, I'll have some as well."

    Himeko and Yuri took charge of looking after the children.

    Yuri had prepared an impressive spread tonight—more than 50 different ingredients, enough to feed 30 adults.

    Each guest received a small basket. All the ingredients and seasonings were set up in the kitchen, allowing everyone to choose what they wanted.

    "Alright, go grab your ingredients!" Yuri called out.

    Excited, everyone stood up and headed toward the kitchen like shoppers at a bustling market.



    Kevin took the basket and looked around. There were more than 50 kinds of ingredients, and he had to examine each one carefully.

    "These chicken wings look nice and plump! I'll take two.

    Oh, this squid is still moving—super fresh! Definitely taking that.

    This pork belly looks great, and so does this beef…"

    Kevin continued selecting ingredients, filling his entire basket with meat and completely ignoring the vegetables.

    Once satisfied, she seasoned her selections and returned to her seat, eagerly watching the pot as she waited for it to boil.

    At that moment, March 7th and Amber returned with their own baskets.

    March 7th was speechless when she saw Kevin's basket overflowing with meat. "Kevin, can't you take at least some vegetables?"

    Kevin shook his head firmly. "No way. Vegetables aren't for me. Meat is what I need."

    Amber sighed. "Kevin, you should really eat more vegetables—they're good for you."

    Kevin remained steadfast in her decision. Just then, Seele and Ying walked past her table.

    Kevin called out, "Seele, Ying, what did you two grab? Did you take any vegetables?"

    Seele looked at Kevin like he had just said something ridiculous. "Vegetables? Why bother when there's so much meat?"

    Ying waved a finger. "Hot pot is all about meat. How can you have the strength to fight without it?"

    At that moment, Paimon flew over, struggling to carry a basket full of meat. "Exactly! You can fill up on meat—why waste space on veggies?"

    March 7th and Amber were at a loss for words. This entire group was hopeless.

    Even Klee had taken vegetables!


    —

    After a while, everyone returned to the dining table.

    Yuri brought two full baskets of vegetables specifically for the four little ones—enough to make sure they had a balanced meal.

    "Did you wash your hands?" Himeko asked as she set down some seasonings. "If not, go wash them before eating."

    The four little ones shook their heads before slipping off their chairs and running to the kitchen.

    Upon reaching the sink, they realized a problem—it was too high for them to reach.

    Bailu's eyes lit up as she spotted the small step stool Pom usually used while cooking.

    She quickly dragged it over. "Come on, this should be high enough!"

    Klee, Hook, and Diona lined up and took turns washing their hands.

    Once done, Klee ran back to the table. "Da-da-da~ La-la-la~ Klee wants to eat hot pot~"

    She giggled as she climbed into her chair.

    Himeko glanced around, realizing someone was missing—Clara.

    Remembering that Clara usually studied in the library at this time, she walked over to check.

    Sure enough, Clara was deeply engrossed in a model.

    "Clara, it's time to eat."

    Clara looked up, startled. She had been so absorbed in her research that she had completely lost track of time. "Oh! I'll be right there!"

    She carefully placed the model down and trotted after Himeko to the kitchen, where she picked out ingredients, washed her hands, and returned to the table.

    Yuri smiled as he saw Clara sit down. "How's your research going? That model?"

    The model Clara had been working on was a gift from Yuri, something he had purchased from the system shop.

    [Item: Realistic Mini Gundam Model]

    Description: A fully detailed replica of a mecha known as Gundam.

    Value: 500 Stellar Jade.

    Clara beamed. "I've got some ideas!"

    Yuri pondered for a moment, considering whether to build a small research lab for her.

    There was an unused storage room on the second floor of the train. With a little effort, it could be renovated into a functional lab.

    After a few seconds of thought, he made up his mind—he'd start working on it tomorrow.


    —

    Soon, the hot pot broth came to a boil.

    "Let's eat!" Yuri called out.

    Immediately, everyone began placing ingredients into their respective pots.

    Kevin, in true fashion, dumped an entire basket of meat into the red pot in front of him, nearly causing the broth to overflow.

    March 7th quickly fished some pieces out to prevent a mess. "Kevin! Take it easy! If it overflows, someone's going to get burned!"

    Kevin chuckled. "Oops, my bad."

    Meanwhile, Yuri and Himeko took care of the four little ones, handling two each.

    Yuri rubbed Klee and Hook's heads. "What do you two want to eat first?"

    Klee eagerly raised her hand. "Yuri~, I want fish!"

    "Hook wants meat!"

    Yuri smiled. "Alright, Yuri will cook some for you."

    He placed fresh fish and thinly sliced meat into the pot for them.

    Meanwhile, Zhongli, Welt, and Kaeya sat at the far end of the table. Unlike the others, they weren't eating much—just a few dishes here and there.

    "So...uh...how are you two doing with all the food eh?" Kaeya asked sheepishly.

    Zhongli and Welt both glanced at Kaeya briefly before simply closing their eyes.

    Kaeya suddenly regretted his seating choice.

    Still, Kaeya found one silver lining...

    There was plenty of food to enjoy!


    —

    As the meal continued, Venti made his way over to the bar, turned on the speakers, and cheerful music filled the room.

    Hot pot was meant to be lively, after all.

    Everyone ate, chatted, and played, making for a joyful atmosphere.

    Paimon stuffed her mouth with meat, her eyes shining with delight. This was her first time having hot pot, and the taste completely won her over.

    "This hot pot stuff is amazing! So good!!!"

    Kevin, Seele, and Paimon shared a similar eating style—they all devoured their food with unmatched enthusiasm, competing to see who could eat the most.

    March 7th had long since given up trying to stop them. There was simply no reasoning with these three.

    Eventually, they finished their first round and stood up simultaneously to grab more ingredients.

    In the end, Paimon emerged victorious.

    Standing on her chair with her hands on her hips, she looked down at Kevin and Seele in triumph.

    Kevin had finished two baskets, Seele managed two and a half, but Paimon had conquered three.

    March 7th and the others were completely dumbfounded by their sheer appetites.

    "Incredible."

    Yuri could only stare in awe.
     
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    The next day arrived.

    Yuri woke up early, had breakfast with the four little ones, and then went to the Herta Space Station.

    This time, Yuri planned to ask Herta for help in building a small laboratory for Clara in the large storage room on the second floor of the train.

    The four little ones had never been to the space station before and were quickly fascinated by its technological marvels all over.

    "Wow~ It's so beautiful here! Look at that little thing—it can fly!" Hook pointed at an intelligent robot, eyes full of curiosity.

    "Klee doesn't know. Does Bailu know?"

    Bailu touched her chin, thinking. "This thing seems similar to Luofu's mechanical birds. They're used for deliveries."

    Yuri glanced around. The Herta Laboratory was nearby, and right next to it was the Simulated Universe.

    To be honest, Yuri had little interest in the Simulated Universe. It was something Herta, Ruan Mei, and the others had created to explore the mysteries of the Aeons. Since Kevin hadn't been around to continue the project, progress had stalled.

    Just then, the doors of the laboratory opened.

    Herta and Asta stepped out.

    "Oh, it's you. I was wondering who tripped the alarm," Herta said, a bit surprised to see Yuri.

    Yuri smiled. "Good morning, Herta, Asta."

    Asta greeted him warmly. "Good morning, Mr. Yuri! I'm almost done gathering enough Stellar Jade. Is the battleship still available?"

    Yuri nodded. "Yep, just visit the store when you're ready to buy."

    "Got it!" Asta said happily.

    Herta crossed her arms. "So, what brings you to my space station?"

    Before Yuri could answer, Bailu tugged at his sleeve. "Yuri, we want to go explore!"

    Yuri thought for a moment, then turned to Asta. "Asta, I've got something to do. Are you free? Can you take these four little ones to explore the station?"

    Asta smiled. "Of course! Leave it to me."

    She waved at the children. "Alright, kids, follow me. I'll show you around!"

    The four little ones cheered and ran to Asta, excited for their adventure.

    Once Asta left with the kids, Yuri turned back to Herta. "I need a favor."

    Herta raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

    "I want to build a small laboratory. I have a young girl who's learning mechanics, and I want to set up a space for her to experiment and study."

    Herta looked unimpressed. "That's it? You're asking me for something so trivial?"

    Yuri grinned. "Well, you're the expert. Sure, I could buy the equipment myself, but I don't know what's best. I figured it'd be smarter to ask a professional like you."

    Herta smirked. "At least you know where to get real expertise. It's for mechanics, right?"

    Yuri nodded.

    Herta snapped her fingers, and a virtual screen appeared in front of her. She tapped rapidly, shifting through data until a detailed blueprint appeared.

    With a flick of her hand, the screen's contents folded into a list, which she tossed toward Yuri. His communicator beeped as the file was sent to him.

    "I'm not going with you—I have better things to do. That list contains all the best beginner-friendly mechanical equipment. Buy it yourself."

    Yuri checked his device. "Got it. Thanks, Herta. I'll pick up Klee and the others later."

    After saying goodbye, Yuri returned to the train.



    Back on the train, Yuri headed straight to Himeko to get the key to the second-floor storage room. Himeko, curious, followed him.

    Inside, the room was cluttered with old equipment and discarded materials.

    "Yuri, what are you doing here?" Himeko asked.

    Yuri pulled up the list Herta had sent him. "I asked Herta for a list of beginner-friendly mechanical equipment. I'm setting up a lab for Clara. Reading books is great, but she needs hands-on experience, right?"

    Himeko was surprised. She knew Yuri doted on Clara, but going as far as building her a personal lab? That was unexpected.

    She glanced over the list. The equipment wasn't cheap—it was all top-tier market technology.

    "This is for beginners?" she muttered skeptically. Many researchers on the space station didn't even have access to equipment this good.

    She thought for a moment. Maybe Herta had recommended gear based on what she had used when she was a beginner—an absurdly high standard.

    Meanwhile, Yuri opened the system shop and started purchasing the equipment.

    A full set of 13 devices cost less than 10,000 Stellar Jade.

    After securing the purchases, Yuri called down to Venti on the first floor. "Venti, I need a strong gust of wind to clear this room out."

    With a flick of his fingers, Venti sent a whirlwind through the storage space, clearing away all the junk.

    More than half an hour later, the transformation was complete.

    The once-cluttered storage room was now a state-of-the-art laboratory.

    Himeko looked around, thoroughly impressed. The equipment here was even better than what was available in the train's existing lab.

    She smirked. "I might just come here to run my own experiments. This setup is incredible."

    Yuri clapped his hands, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Alright, time to get Clara."



    Yuri found Clara in the library, engrossed in her Gundam model.

    "Clara, grab your textbooks and models—I'm taking you somewhere special."

    Clara quickly packed up and stood next to Yuri, looking up at him with curiosity. "Brother Yuri, where are we going?"

    Yuri ruffled her hair. "It's a surprise. You'll see soon."

    Clara, now even more curious, hurried after him.

    When they reached the second floor, Clara's eyes widened in awe at the sight of the newly built lab.

    "Is this… a laboratory?"

    Yuri grinned. "Yep. From now on, this lab belongs to you. What do you think? Do you like it?"

    Clara stared in disbelief. "Clara… can't…"

    She was about to refuse, but Yuri cut her off. "It's settled. And don't think it's free—when you finish your Gundam model, you have to build one for me too. Deal?"

    Seeing no other option, Clara nodded eagerly. "Okay! Clara will work hard!"

    Yuri chuckled and patted her head. "Good. Now, go learn how to use the equipment with Himeko."

    Himeko waved. "Come on, Clara. I'll show you around."

    Clara eagerly followed Himeko, taking careful notes as she learned about each device's functions and safety precautions.

    With her first real lab, Clara's journey into mechanics had truly begun.



    Liyue Harbor, inside the Northland Bank.

    La Signora arrived with her subordinates.

    "Where is Childe? Why don't I see him?"

    One of Childe's subordinates quickly answered, "The young master went to the Wangsheng Hall Internet Café to play."

    La Signora frowned. Play? He still had the mind to play? Our plan had yet to be realized, and he dared to waste time gaming!

    "Take me to him!"

    The subordinate hurriedly led La Signora toward the Wangsheng Hall Internet Café.

    About half an hour later, they arrived at the entrance.

    The once-quiet Wangsheng Hall was now bustling, with people coming and going—most of them heading inside to surf the web.

    The ceremonial officer at the door saw La Signora and her entourage and hurried forward to greet them. "Esteemed guest, are you here to use the internet or conduct funeral business at Wangsheng Hall?"

    La Signora ignored the officer and arrogantly walked straight inside.

    Scanning the courtyard, she quickly identified the internet café—easily the most crowded area.

    Stepping inside, she spotted Childe near the entrance, playing Meteor Butterfly Sword with intense focus.

    "Take this! Finally, my revenge is complete!"

    Childe was engrossed, his expression filled with satisfaction. A game like this—tailored for martial arts enthusiasts—was perfect for him.

    While Childe was having the time of his life, La Signora was seething.

    She stormed over and ordered the person sitting next to him to move. "You, get up."

    The player turned, frowning. "Who are you? If you want to play, go line up. Get lost and don't bother me."

    La Signora's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, she delivered a slap imbued with ice energy.

    The unfortunate player was sent flying, crashing into a wall. His computer shattered into pieces upon impact.

    Childe immediately removed his headphones, a sinking feeling in his stomach. Seeing La Signora's furious expression, he knew this wasn't good.

    Damn it! This is Liyue! He had learned the hard way—after getting beaten up twice—that this wasn't a place where the Fatui could throw their weight around.

    He hurriedly grabbed La Signora's wrist. "We need to go! You're causing trouble!"

    She yanked her arm free. "Trouble? What trouble? What's there to be afraid of? We are Fatui Harbingers! I want to see exactly what these people can do to me!"

    Childe sighed, recognizing his past arrogance in her current behavior.

    At that moment, Hu Tao and Silver Wolf emerged from the back, having been working on a new set of computers.

    Seeing the wreckage, Hu Tao's face darkened. "What's going on? Who's making trouble here?"

    Silver Wolf scanned the room and locked onto the culprit. "Hu Tao, it's her."

    Hu Tao turned to face La Signora. "Who are you? My Wangsheng Hall hasn't done anything to offend you, so why are you causing trouble here?"

    La Signora scoffed. "Tell me, how much for the damage? I'll pay."

    Hu Tao's eyes twitched in frustration. She had caused the mess, yet she was acting like the victim?

    "Oh? You think money solves everything? You waltz into my Wangsheng Hall and break things? Well, I'm going to show you exactly how we handle things around here!"

    Hu Tao grabbed her Staff of Homa and lunged at La Signora.

    La Signora dodged swiftly, retreating outside.

    The two began fighting in the open courtyard.

    Hu Tao wasn't just some ordinary funeral director—she was one of Liyue's top martial artists. After all, she had trained under Zhongli himself, the God of War of Teyvat.

    For all her power, La Signora found herself struggling against Hu Tao's relentless attacks. She was forced into a defensive stance, retreating step by step.

    Childe sighed. They may be colleagues, but if I don't step in now, it'll be embarrassing.

    Just as he was about to intervene, a calm voice stopped him.

    "I think you'd be better off standing right there and watching. Don't you agree?"

    Childe turned and saw Silver Wolf, casually chewing gum while holding her handheld console.

    Her tone was light, but Childe sensed a heavy threat in her words.

    His instincts screamed at him—if he tried to interfere, Silver Wolf would take him down in an instant.

    A quick glance at the ongoing fight convinced him: Yeah… I'll just stay put.



    La Signora, realizing she was losing, gritted her teeth in frustration. Impossible! How could she be overpowered by this little girl?!

    Consumed by fury, she activated her Pyro Delusion, transforming into a burning moth of flames.

    "Die!!!"

    Hu Tao barely had time to react. Unable to dodge, she braced herself for impact.

    Just as La Signora was about to strike, a cold voice rang out.

    "Freeze."

    La Signora's body locked up mid-air, completely immobilized.

    Silver Wolf snapped her fingers, and a virtual keyboard appeared in front of her.

    "Alright, alright. This farce has gone on long enough."

    Her fingers danced over the keys, and a beam of ether energy blasted La Signora to the ground.

    The impact created a deep crater.

    Childe gulped hard as he watched Silver Wolf take her down effortlessly.

    Thank Archons I didn't get involved… He could already picture himself lying in a similar crater if he had tried.

    Silver Wolf casually strolled over to Hu Tao, blowing a bubble with her gum before glancing at the unconscious La Signora.

    "That's it? And she thought she could cause trouble?"

    She turned to Childe. "Hey, come pick her up. And don't forget to pay for the computer and the damage to the floor."

    Childe quickly nodded and signaled his men to carry La Signora away.

    After he left, Silver Wolf and Hu Tao took a short break before returning to their work assembling new computers.



    Late that night, La Signora slowly regained consciousness in the Northland Bank.

    The moment she tried to move, pain shot through her body.

    "Hiss! Damn it, that hurts!"

    Childe, sitting nearby, shook his head. "I told you to leave. But no, you had to be stubborn. And now look at you—beaten into submission."

    "Damn you..." La Signora muttered in disbelief.

    Childe chuckled at her stunned expression.

    "Next time...You should be a little more patient with me...or you might just freeze..."
     
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    La Signora frowned upon hearing this.

    "You're so childish it irritates me.."

    Childe merely laughed once more before Signora spoke up again.

    "What's the most terrifying experience you've had here...Tell me Childe.."

    Childe smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Well...Do you know what it's like to be completely crushed by a single strike?"

    Childe couldn't help but recall his unfortunate fight earlier...

    The fight had merely provided a wake-up call that a terrifying calamity could always await you if you were not prepared.

    "No." Signora stated in a simple manner.

    "Well uh...It sucks...bad!" Childe shrugged his shoulders

    Seeing that La Signora had awakened, Childe stood up and prepared to return to his room. "You should rest and recover. I personally think our mission in Liyue should be put on hold. We need to first understand the real situation here. What do you think?"

    La Signora, still sore from the beating, nodded in agreement. "You're...right."

    Clearly, after her defeat, she was much more subdued than she had been in Mondstadt.



    Meanwhile, on the Luofu Immortal Boat…

    Kevin, March 7th, and Welt had successfully tracked down Kafka.

    After a brief skirmish, Fu Xuan, the Master Diviner, arrived.

    Activating her Omniscient Eye, Fu Xuan altered the trajectory of all of Kafka's bullets mid-air.

    As the eye dimmed, Fu Xuan remained unharmed.

    Kafka sighed and discarded her submachine gun. "I lost."

    Fu Xuan ordered her Cloud Knights to detain Kafka. She then turned her gaze to Kevin, March 7th, and Welt. Are these the ones the General arranged?

    He entrusted such an important task to outsiders?

    "Your mission is complete. If you wish to interrogate Kafka, come to the Divination Commission."

    With that, Fu Xuan and the Cloud Knights led Kafka away.

    Kevin, March 7th, and Welt exchanged glances and decided to follow. Kafka undoubtedly knew valuable information.

    As they arrived at the square, a panicked cry rang out from the crowd.

    "Run! Run! The Demonic Yin creatures are here!"

    Chaos erupted as people fled in all directions.

    Kevin immediately drew the Judgment of Shamash and rushed toward the disturbance.

    A group of Cloud Knights, now consumed by Demonic Yin corruption, were attacking the civilians.

    Kevin ignited the blade's surface with flames and swiftly eliminated them, careful not to unleash his full power due to the crowded city environment.

    Welt and March 7th quickly joined the fight to deal with the creatures.



    The view returned to the train.

    Seeing that Yuri was busy, Klee, Hook, Bai Lu, and Diona wandered around the train.

    After some time, the four little ones got bored and wanted to go out to play.

    Bai Lu pointed to the Star Harbor outside. "Shall we go out to play?"

    Klee shook her head. "No, Brother Yuri and Captain Jean said we can't go out without an adult. It's dangerous outside."

    Hook and Diona nodded, confirming that Klee was right.

    Bai Lu pouted, feeling disappointed.

    After scanning the area, she locked onto Zhongli, who was listening to music.

    Zhongli sat in the sofa tea area, eyes closed, listening to music through a radio.

    "I have an idea! Follow me!"

    The four little ones ran to Zhongli's side and stood silently.

    Without opening his eyes, Zhongli already knew who was standing there.

    Slowly, Zhongli opened his eyes. "What do you need?"

    The four exchanged glances before Klee stepped forward, hands behind her back. "Grandpa Zhongli, can you take us out to play?"

    Zhongli asked, "Where is Yuri?"

    Hook pointed toward Yuri's room. "He's busy."

    Zhongli observed the four little ones. They were well-behaved in their daily interactions, so they shouldn't be too hard to handle, right?

    After some thought, he decided to take them to Belobog.

    "Come with me."

    The four little ones cheered, lining up behind Zhongli. Klee, leading the way, clung to his coat. "Klee gets to go out and play!"

    Zhongli led them through the portal to Belobog.



    Upon arrival, they found themselves in the Mechanical Settlement.

    This place had become one of the most important locations in Belobog due to its portal connection to Yuri's shop.

    Svarog himself stood guard over it.

    The former wanderers of the Mechanical Settlement had been relocated to the Overworld.

    The four little ones immediately started playing in the snow.

    Hook made a snowball and launched a surprise attack, hitting Bai Lu squarely in the back.

    Bai Lu turned around, spotting Hook grinning mischievously. Without hesitation, she retaliated.

    Soon, a full-blown snowball fight broke out, the four of them laughing and running around the courtyard.

    At that moment, Gepard passed by with a squad of mechanical soldiers carrying supplies. He immediately noticed Zhongli and the children.

    "Mr. Zhongli!"

    Zhongli turned. "Gepard? What are you doing?"

    Gepard replied, "Previously, Kevin helped us melt a massive glacier. The Grand Overseer has ordered us to construct a windbreak and integrate the area into Belobog."

    Zhongli's interest was piqued. "Oh? May I take a look?"

    Gepard readily agreed. After all, Zhongli wasn't an outsider—they were all allies.

    "Of course. This way."

    Zhongli nodded and called out to the children. "Come along, little ones."

    Hearing him, the four quickly brushed off the snow and ran to his side.

    Following Gepard, they made their way to the Overworld.



    Standing at the city gates, they gazed at the newly expanded area. It was visibly different from its surroundings.

    This land had been created by Kevin's sword strike.

    Fortunately, Yuri and the others had worked to contain the flames within a controlled radius. Otherwise, Belobog itself would have been at risk.

    "Gepard, have all the building materials been transported?" Bronya approached them.

    Gepard replied, "We're in the process of moving them."

    Bronya nodded, trusting Gepard's efficiency.

    It was only then that she noticed Zhongli and the children.

    The four little ones immediately greeted her.

    "Sister Bronya!"

    Bronya smiled as they swarmed around her, ruffling their heads in return.

    "Are you all here to play? Is Yuri with you?"

    Klee spread her hands. "Brother Yuri is busy! Grandpa Zhongli brought us instead!"

    Bronya chuckled. "I see."

    At that moment, a Silvermane Guard rushed over, breathless. "Grand Overseer! A blizzard is approaching!"

    Bronya's expression turned serious. "Summon all available personnel for reinforcement!"

    She led a squad of workers and Silvermane Guards toward the site.

    Seeing this, Zhongli thought for a moment and decided to follow with the four children.


    —

    In the newly developed Belobog territory, the blizzard raged fiercely. A section of the recently built windbreak wall collapsed under the storm's force.

    Several workers had been trapped beneath the rubble.

    Bronya rushed forward. "Quick! Rescue them!"

    She led the charge, moving debris to free the trapped workers.

    However, the blizzard made it difficult, slowing their progress significantly.

    Zhongli, unable to watch any longer, extended his right hand. A golden light radiated from his palm.

    Suddenly, the ground trembled.

    A stone wall rose, shielding the workers from the storm.

    Gasps of awe erupted from those present. It was nothing short of a miracle!

    Bronya turned toward Zhongli. She knew exactly who he was.

    Morax, the Geo Archon of Liyue.

    There was no doubt—the stone wall was his handiwork.

    She gave him a grateful look.

    However, Zhongli himself stood frozen in place.

    His consciousness drifted into a vast, starry expanse.

    "Where… is this?"

    In the distance, he saw a towering figure wielding a hammer, constructing a great wall.

    The giant turned to look at him.

    The next moment, Zhongli felt a strange energy surge through his body.



    In reality, the four children tilted their heads, whispering among themselves.

    "What's Grandpa Zhongli doing?"

    "I don't know…"

    Moments later, Zhongli snapped back to the present and lowered his hand.

    He could still sense the unfamiliar power within him.

    "That giant… could it have been the legendary Amber King?"

    Zhongli never expected to receive a Star God's blessing—especially as an outsider in this world.

    Taking a moment to familiarize himself with his newfound abilities, he then led the children toward the relief camp to see if they could assist.



    At the camp, many of the injured had been rescued, but medical supplies were limited. Only basic treatment could be provided.

    Seeing this, Bai Lu's expression darkened.

    She stomped over to one of the medics and pointed at them. "Who taught you to do it like this?! If you treat him like that, he's going to die!

    Move aside! I'll show you how it's done!"
     
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    The medical staff were startled by Bai Lu's sudden words, instinctively making way for her.

    Without hesitation, Bai Lu picked up the anti-inflammatory medicine, treating the wounded with swift and practiced movements. Her hands moved with precision, cleaning wounds and carefully wrapping bandages.

    Klee, Hook, and Diona watched in awe.

    "Wow~ Sister Bai Lu is amazing! She can heal people too!"

    "Bai Lu is incredible!"

    The medical staff stood frozen. This little girl was not just capable—she was extraordinary. The entire process was seamless, as if she had been doing this her whole life.

    Bai Lu continued treating the wounded one by one, while Klee, Hook, and Diona played assistants. Klee carried a basket of bandages, Hook held the anti-inflammatory medicine, and Diona managed the medical tools.

    They approached another patient. Bai Lu patted the injured man lightly.

    "Don't move, I'll take care of you."

    She examined the wound, then extended her hand behind her without turning back.

    "Anti-inflammatory medicine!"

    Hook quickly handed over a bottle.

    Bai Lu cleaned the wound, then reached out again.

    "Tweezers!"

    Diona immediately placed sterilized tweezers in her palm.

    After removing the foreign objects from the wound, she extended her hand once more.

    "Bandage."

    Klee promptly handed her one.

    Bai Lu secured the bandage tightly and gave instructions.

    "Try not to move too much for now. After a week, you can do light activities, but keep the wound dry. Understood?"

    The patient nodded gratefully.

    "I understand."

    Bai Lu nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand.

    "Sisters, let's go. Next patient!"

    The three girls followed her as she continued her work. With their help, the treatment process became much faster.

    Bai Lu's medical skills were renowned. In Luofu, securing an appointment with her was nearly impossible.



    Luofu, Gongzao Division

    Kevin, March 7th, and Welt were locked in battle against the formidable Abundant Black Deer.

    The beast's vitality was unnaturally strong. Time and time again, they dealt what should have been fatal blows, only for the creature to regenerate instantly, its powerful healing abilities making it nearly invincible.

    Kevin gritted his teeth, his patience wearing thin. He tightened his grip on the Judgment of Shamash.

    "Judgment of Shamash—Unsheathed! Annihilation!"

    A blinding light engulfed the Gongzao Division.



    Inside the Shen Ce Mansion

    Jing Yuan immediately stood up, turning toward the direction of Gongzao Division.

    He considered for a moment. The only one capable of unleashing such power had to be the nameless guest from the Astral Express.

    "I didn't expect the nameless traveler to possess such strength."

    He recalled the time he observed Kevin apprehend Kafka through surveillance. The energy signature was identical.

    Watching the flames rise, Jing Yuan's confidence in Luofu's victory solidified. After all, with so many old friends returning, how could they possibly lose?



    Industrial and Construction Company

    After Kevin unleashed his devastating attack, Welt swiftly conjured a black hole, absorbing the lingering flames before they could destroy the entire area.

    Kevin ignited the battlefield, and Welt ensured it didn't burn down the city. Their coordination was flawless.

    More than ten minutes later, Welt sealed the black hole. March 7th surveyed the battlefield, exhausted but relieved.

    "Finally! That ugly deer is dead. I'm so tired."

    Kevin wiped his nose. "It had to push me to use my ultimate move. Seriously."

    March 7th agreed—this fight had been tough. Without Kevin's burst of power, the beast's regeneration would have dragged the battle on indefinitely.

    Welt looked around. Kevin's flames had obliterated all the Jianmu roots invading the Industrial and Construction Company.

    "Let's keep moving. The Danding Division is just ahead."

    The three pressed forward.



    More than half an hour later, they reached Danding Division.

    Upon arrival, they stumbled upon an ongoing battle.

    Fu Xuan led the Cloud Knights in a fierce assault against the Demonic Yin Body soldiers. Because Kevin had incinerated the Abundant Black Deer outright, they had bypassed the usual sequence of burning roots first, allowing them to arrive much earlier than expected.

    Wasting no time, the trio plunged into the battlefield.

    Kevin, wielding the Judgment of Shamash, tore through enemy lines with the Cloud Knights. Welt created another breach not far away.

    March 7th watched her companions dominate the fight, determination lighting up her eyes.

    "Tonight, I'm spending all my Stellar Jade at Yuri's store! I need to power up too!"

    With the defenses broken, Fu Xuan seized the opportunity.

    "All troops, press forward! Do not let any Demonic Yin Body escape!"

    The Cloud Knights roared in unison.

    "By our oath, we are the shield of the Xianzhou! For the safety of the Immortal Boat—charge!"

    Fueled by unbreakable morale, they pushed forward. The first line of the Medicine King's forces crumbled, forcing them into retreat.

    Fu Xuan, however, held the troops back.

    She had just received intelligence—inside the alchemy furnaces of Danding Division, the Medicine King Secret Teachings had placed substances that could trigger the Demon Yin transformation.

    For now, they could not proceed recklessly.



    Kevin, March 7th, and Welt approached Fu Xuan.

    Welt raised an eyebrow. "Why not press the advantage? Their forces are scattered."

    Fu Xuan gestured toward the alchemy furnaces.

    "They've tainted those furnaces with catalysts that can induce Demon Yin transformations. If we send our forces in, they'll be turned against us."

    Kevin frowned and brandished his Judgment of Shamash.

    "That's easy. I'll just burn them down with a single strike."

    March 7th nodded. "Yeah! With Welt here to absorb the flames, we won't have to worry about collateral damage."

    Fu Xuan gave them both a look of utter disbelief.

    "I could also just use a sealing formation, but tell me—can you guarantee those furnaces won't break? These are the heart of Danding Division. If they're destroyed, Luofu will suffer immense losses."

    Kevin hesitated, then slowly lowered his weapon.

    "...So what's the plan, then?"



    Fu Xuan observed the battlefield, taking note of the dissipating medicinal smoke. With the obstruction removed, she wasted no time rallying her troops for the final assault on the Medicine King's Secret Teachings.

    March 7th, Kevin, Welt, and Fu Xuan led the Cloud Knights into battle. The Demonic Yin-body soldiers attempted to mount a counterattack, but they were quickly overwhelmed. The battlefield was one-sided—Fu Xuan's strategy and the overwhelming force of the Cloud Knights ensured their swift advance.

    Deep within the Danding Division, Dan Shu, the leader of the Medicine King Secret Sect, watched in growing frustration as her forces collapsed.

    "Damn it! Where are the reinforcements I was promised?!"

    Dan Shu had been confident in launching this insurrection because of her alliance with Huanlong. Now, as her defenses crumbled, she realized she had been abandoned.

    Moments later, Fu Xuan, Kevin, March 7th, and Welt stood before Dan Shu, their forces having completely routed her army.

    Bruised and bloodied, Dan Shu slumped to the ground. "Huanlong! Where are you?! You promised reinforcements!"

    A figure stepped forward from the Cloud Knights' formation.

    "Oh? Why do you insist on forcing my hand? This goes against my philosophy of Destruction, little soldier."

    March 7th and the others turned in shock.

    "Tingyun...?!" March 7th hesitated.

    Tingyun—or what appeared to be her—smirked at them. "Ah, are you referring to the original owner of this body? Sorry to inform you, but she is no longer here."

    She approached a wounded Demonic Yin-body soldier. With a single touch, energy surged through the soldier's body—a force tainted with destruction.

    In an instant, the soldier transformed into a monstrous Voidranger.

    Tingyun then turned back toward the group. Her head tilted at an unnatural angle, and her form suddenly shimmered, dissolving into motes of light before vanishing entirely.

    March 7th was stunned. "Wha—?! What just happened?!"

    Fu Xuan quickly commanded the Cloud Knights to eliminate the newly created Voidranger before it could wreak havoc.

    Once the battlefield was secure, Fu Xuan turned to the others. "We return to base. The Medicine King Secret Teachings are no longer a threat. Now, we focus on Jianmu."



    Meanwhile, Dan Heng, Sushang, and Luocha arrived at Danding Division.

    Sushang turned to them. "Alright, this is a safe zone. I need to report back to my superiors. Goodbye!"

    With a cheerful wave, she departed.

    As soon as Sushang was out of sight, Dan Heng found a reason to separate from Luocha. He needed to find Kevin, March 7th, and Welt.

    The journey toward Scaled Abyss Realm was bleak—traces of war littered the path. The closer he got, the more memories from his past life surfaced.

    Just as he neared the ferry, a gleaming sword sliced through the air toward him. Reacting instinctively, Dan Heng summoned his Jiyun Dragon Spear, deflecting the attack.

    A figure emerged, blocking his path.

    Blade.

    With a sinister grin, Blade's voice rang out. "Hahahaha! Finally, I found you! Five names! Three debts! You are one of them!"

    "You're a deranged psycho." Dan Heng thrust out his weapon "I'll deal with you immediately!"

    Blade lunged at Dan Heng, his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision. Dan Heng, still unsure of his past, could only parry and evade.

    Seizing an opening, Dan Heng teleported away, creating distance between them. He reappeared behind Blade, thrusting his spear forward.

    Blade, unfazed, deflected the strike and retaliated with a vicious slash. Dan Heng barely managed to jump away, keeping his distance.

    The battle raged on, neither able to land a decisive blow.

    Then, suddenly—

    A flurry of flying swords forced Blade back.

    Yanqing landed gracefully, sword in hand, eyes locked onto Blade. "So, the infamous fugitive finally shows himself. I've been tracking you for a long time. You're coming with me."

    Blade sneered. "Ah, the young prodigy under Jing Yuan. This is beyond your league, boy."

    Yanqing scoffed and launched himself forward. "You don't decide that. En garde!"

    Blade effortlessly parried Yanqing's attack. Despite Yanqing's skill, he was clearly outmatched.

    Seeing an opportunity, Blade turned his attention back to Dan Heng.

    With a sudden burst of speed, he rushed at Yanqing, forcing him into a defensive stance. Dan Heng reacted instantly, teleporting behind Blade, aiming a precise strike.

    But Blade had anticipated it.

    Spinning on his heel, he slashed at Dan Heng, sending him hurtling backward.

    Yanqing glared at Blade, gripping his sword tightly. "You criminal… I won't let you escape!"

    "Too late..." As Blade made his escape promptly.
     
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    • Chapter 44


    With Kevin leading the charge, Huanlong found himself overwhelmed, unable to properly counterattack.

    Kevin had entered a berserker state, his mind clouded with battle fervor. Wielding the Judgment of Shamash, he became a whirlwind of destruction all over.

    Huanlong spotted an opening and lunged at Kevin, but before he could land a blow, a massive water dragon surged forward, knocking him back.

    Or perhaps Welt's gravity-infused attack would disrupt him next. Even worse, March 7th stood vigilant, casting protective shields over everyone.

    "How dare you!" Huanlong roared in fury.

    His form grew heavier, his body surging with unstable energy. With one devastating swing, Kevin and the others were repelled. Seizing the opportunity, Huanlong reached into the void, tore an asteroid from its orbit, and hurled it toward them.

    Kevin's eyes widened at the sight of the massive rock descending from the heavens. "Whoa! This is insane! I need to figure out how to do that later!"

    March 7th grabbed his collar and yanked him aside. "What are you gawking at? Dodge!"

    The asteroid plummeted at alarming speed. Just as Welt began manipulating a black hole, as a familiar voice echoed through the battlefield.

    "Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect!"

    March 7th turned toward the source of the voice and gasped. "Look! It's Yuri! And Zhongli!"

    Kevin took notice of Dan Heng also hurrying in from nearby.

    "Dan Heng is here as well!" Kevin yelled out.

    Suspended in the air, three figures stood, surrounded by an ocean of glimmering swords. Yuri gripped the Freedom Oath, a weapon he had bartered from Venti in exchange for wine.

    "Go!" he commanded, and the swords shot forward like a raging tempest.

    Each blade hummed with devastating energy, carving through the asteroid and shattering it into harmless debris. As rubble rained down, Zhongli extended his hand.

    "As solid as a rock."

    A golden barrier materialized, shielding Kevin and the others. Meanwhile, Venti nocked an arrow, swirling with concentrated wind energy.

    "The Poem of the Wind, awaken the sleeping creatures!"

    A single shot, imbued with divine wind, swept the debris away as if it had never existed.

    Kevin stared at the three with awe. "Frog fun!!! This is incredible! I wanna learn that!" He flailed his arms excitedly. "This too! And that! And that rock thing!"

    March 7th cheered alongside him, while Venti's attack left a profound impression on her—just for a moment, she connected the bard's power with the very concept of divinity.

    Huanlong, already struggling, felt his heart sink further. "What the hell? More masters?!"

    Before he could react, another voice rang out behind him.

    "The magnificent and powerful spirit, obey my command! Kill! No mercy!"

    [Jing Yuan has summoned the Divine Arbiter!]

    A colossal blade, controlled by Jing Yuan, cleaved through Huanlong's back, drawing a roar of pain from the dragon. Seeing an opportunity, the others unleashed their strongest abilities to end the battle.

    "Judgment of Shamash: Unsheathed, Annihilation!"

    "Let me show you my power!"

    "The Azure Dragon Washes the World!"

    "You have no idea how heavy this power is!"

    "The sky shakes all!"

    "Don't even think about running~"

    "Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect!"

    Huanlong barely had time to register the sheer devastation coming his way. Meteors, black holes, hurricanes, sword rain, searing flames, roaring water dragons, crystalline ice formations, and the Divine Arbiter above—it was too much. His body, composed of Jianmu, began to disintegrate.

    This time, there were no last words. No desperate threats. Just surrender. His form collapsed, and his essence fled, unwilling to endure further humiliation.

    As the dust settled, Yuri, Zhongli, and Venti descended. Kevin and March 7th rushed up to them excitedly. Kevin wasted no time, grabbing Yuri's sleeve with pleading eyes.

    "Yuri, teach me Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect!"

    Yuri smirked. "Go buy the Sword Control Technique from a store."

    Kevin immediately nodded in understanding.

    As the dust cleared, Jing Yuan and Dan Heng approached, offering respectful bows. "Thank you, my friends, for your timely assistance."

    Yuri waved off the gratitude. "No need. We just came here for some practice. You could've handled it eventually. It just would've taken longer."

    Jing Yuan chuckled. "Nonetheless, I am in your debt. May I ask your names?"

    The three answered in turn. "Yuri."

    "Venti."

    "Zhongli."

    Jing Yuan nodded in acknowledgment. "An honor to meet you all. This battlefield is hardly a place for conversation. Let us retire to a more suitable venue. I will have tea prepared, and we can talk at leisure."

    No one objected. After Dan Heng sealed Jianmu once more, they all regrouped at the entrance of the Linyuan Realm and made their way back to the capital.

    Fu Xuan, upon hearing the matter had been resolved, let out a sigh of relief—only to be thrown into shock upon learning of Huanlong's fusion with Jianmu. Had the Express not intervened, the outcome could have been disastrous.

    An hour later, the group arrived at the Shen Ce Mansion. Jing Yuan led them to the backyard, where a tranquil pavilion stood. Here, he often enjoyed tea in peace.

    "Please, take a seat. I recently acquired a fine batch of tea. I would love for you to try it."

    He poured tea for everyone, and Zhongli took a whiff, nodding in approval. "The fragrance is delicate. This must be a freshly picked variety."

    Jing Yuan's eyes twinkled. "Impressive, Mr. Zhongli. You are quite knowledgeable."

    Zhongli merely offered a small smile. "I know a little."

    Kevin took a sip and immediately frowned. This tea wasn't as good as the one Yuri had given him before.

    As they chatted, Kevin and March 7th grew restless. Finally, Kevin stood. "You guys keep talking. March 7th and I are gonna explore. We'll catch up later."

    Jing Yuan chuckled. "Enjoy yourselves in Luofu. Any expenses will be covered by the Shen Ce Mansion."

    March's eyes lit up. "Really?!"

    Kevin merely smiled.

    Jing Yuan nodded. "Of course."

    "March! Let's go." Kevin got up and went to leave. March excitedly followed behind him.

    Watching them leave, Jing Yuan sighed with admiration. The Express team was truly exceptional—each member a powerhouse.

    If only Xianzhou's younger generation had someone like that... Maybe, just maybe, he could finally retire.

    With that thought, he returned to drinking tea with Yuri, Venti, and Zhongli, enjoying the rare moment of peace.



    As twilight painted the skies over Xianzhou Luofu, March 7th and Kevin strolled through the bustling markets, weaving between floating lanterns and fragrant food stalls. The city glowed under the soft hues of lantern light, and the lively chatter of merchants and travelers filled the air.

    Kevin, hands in his pockets, turned to March 7th. "Okay, we've fought dragons, defied gravity, and shattered meteors. What's next?"

    March 7th grinned, tugging him toward a stall selling candied plums. "How about something sweet? You need to try these!"

    Kevin rolled his eyes playfully but accepted the treat. As soon as he bit into it, a surprised look crossed his face. "Okay… not bad."

    March 7th laughed. "See? I know good food when I find it."

    They continued their walk, stopping by trinket shops and admiring the elaborate calligraphy paintings displayed by local artists. At one point, March 7th picked up a delicate hairpin shaped like a silver crescent moon. She turned to Kevin with a smirk. "Think this would look good on you?"

    Kevin scoffed. "You wish. But it'd probably look great on you."

    Her cheeks tinged pink as she put it back, suddenly a little flustered. They eventually found themselves at the edge of a tranquil koi pond, where glowing lanterns reflected off the water. The quiet moment settled between them, the excitement of the day giving way to something softer.

    March 7th nudged Kevin's arm. "You know… I think this is the most fun I've had in a long time."

    Kevin glanced at her, an easy smile playing on his lips. "Same, This place is amazing."

    Kevin took his glance towards the stars as he spoke out. "It really is crazy that this all began from a shop ran by Yuri...All of us at this point now...What a journey"

    She chuckled. "Now you're stuck with all of us forever now!...You're also stuck with me too forever now so...get used to it!" March had a victorious expression on her face.

    He shook his head, glancing back at her. "Yeah, I think I can live with that. Especially the part of it being forever with you."

    March 7th bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before leaning her head against his shoulder with a blush. "Y-You..."

    Kevin put his arm around her and massaged her shoulder as they looked to the beautiful starry skies of the exotic city.

    For once, there were no battles, no impending threats—just the two of them, under the lantern-lit sky filled with many stars and possibilities of Luofu, enjoying a quiet happiness that neither had expected but both wanted to hold onto for as long as possible.
     
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    • Chapter 45


    "Ying! We're almost in Liyue!"

    Ying drove her off-road RV down the trade route from Mondstadt to Liyue. The road was relatively smooth, making the journey easy.

    After crossing a gorge, he finally arrived at Liyue.

    At Stone Gate, a small marketplace bustled with merchants selling food and tea to travelers.

    Paimon eagerly leaned out the window, sniffing the air with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Wow~ It smells so good! Ying, let's stop and grab something to eat! I'm starving."

    Ying glanced out the window, noting the variety of food stalls. However, she had no intention of stopping.

    "What's there to eat? Hold on for a bit. Didn't we make plans with Hu Tao? She's waiting for us at Wangshu Inn and promised to treat us to a feast."

    Paimon perked up at the reminder, suddenly recalling the invitation. "Oh! Right, Hu Tao said she'd treat us!" She hesitated for a moment before nodding rapidly. "Then let's hurry! We can't keep her waiting!"

    Ying rolled her eyes as she closed the window. "Yeah, right. You're just in a rush to eat."

    With a smirk, she pressed down on the accelerator, and the RV rumbled forward, drawing curious stares from passersby.

    The people of Liyue had never seen such a vehicle before. "What is that thing? It's moving on its own!"

    Meanwhile, near the Statue of the Seven in Dihua Marsh, a band of Treasure Hoarders lay in wait, preparing to ambush passing merchants.

    Their leader, A Biao, barked orders. "Hurry up! Get into position!"

    A scout sprinted toward them, panting. "Boss! A fat sheep is coming!"

    A Biao's lips curled into a greedy grin. "Good, everyone hide! Wait for my signal—then jump out and act intimidating!"

    The Treasure Hoarders crouched behind bushes, watching as the RV approached. A Biao narrowed his eyes. "What the hell is that? A moving carriage? No matter, it must be carrying valuables."

    She raised his hand and waited until the RV was close. "Now!"

    With a roar, A Biao and his gang leapt out.

    Unfortunately, they underestimated the RV's speed.

    BANG! BANG! BANG!

    A series of collisions echoed through the air as A Biao and his men were sent flying—straight into the river.

    Their fall was spectacular, sending water splashing in all directions.

    Completely unaware, Ying continued driving, approaching Wangshu Inn. She casually reached for his phone. Mobile devices worked in Liyue, so he figured he'd send Hu Tao a quick text.

    Then, a thought struck him. "Huh? Did I just hit something?"

    Frowning, he slammed the brakes and opened the door, stepping out to inspect.

    Nothing.

    He shrugged, got back into the RV, and drove off.

    Meanwhile, back at the river, A Biao resurfaced, sputtering. "You—you can't just drive off like that! You hit someone! I demand compensation! I'm going to sue!"



    More than ten minutes later, Ying arrived at Wangshu Inn. As soon as she pulled up, he spotted Hu Tao squatting on the roadside, counting her newly acquired Mora.

    She had arrived early and, rather than waiting idly, had spent her time scouring Wangshu Inn for treasure chests.

    From the rooftop, Xiao had been watching. He shook his head, perplexed at Hu Tao's enthusiasm. Most of those chests contained nothing of value.

    Ying rolled down her window and honked the horn. "Toot~ Hu Tao, I'm here."

    Hu Tao looked up and grinned. "Oh, Ying! Finally! Let's go—time for a feast! I made arrangements with Xiangling at Wanmin Restaurant. She's preparing a special meal just for us!"

    Ying nodded. "Want to ride with me? I can put your bike in the trunk."

    Hu Tao inspected the RV. It looked comfortable. "Alright, open the trunk."

    Ying pressed a button, and the trunk opened. Hu Tao stowed her flying motorcycle inside and climbed into the RV.

    Inside, Paimon was lounging in a booth, munching on potato chips. "Hu Tao, sit here! Want some chips?"

    Hu Tao waved a hand. "Nah, you eat. I'm gonna check this place out."

    She wandered through the RV, impressed by how well-equipped it was for travel. "Wow, this is perfect for adventurers like you. I kinda want one myself."

    But after a moment's thought, she dismissed the idea. Her flying motorcycle was just as fast, and she preferred the thrill of the open air.

    Hu Tao joined Ying at the front. "Alright, I'll be your navigator."

    She pulled up a small stool and sat beside him, chatting as they drove.



    An hour later, they reached the entrance of Liyue Harbor. The Qianyan Army on duty immediately signaled for them to stop.

    "Halt! Step out for inspection!"

    Ying and Hu Tao exited the RV. As soon as Hu Tao recognized the guard captain, she grinned. "Hey~ Acai! You're on duty today?"

    Acai, the captain of the Qianyan Army stationed there, had once been rescued by Hu Tao during a monster attack. Seeing her now, he relaxed and gestured for his men to lower their weapons.

    "Master Hu! I thought it was an outsider causing trouble. Is this yours?"

    Hu Tao shook her head and pointed at Ying. "Nah, it's hers. It's basically a fancy carriage."

    Acai nodded. "Got it. My team and I thought it was some kind of mechanical beast."

    Hu Tao laughed. "Nope, just a cool ride. I came to pick up Ying. We're headed to Wanmin Restaurant for dinner."

    Acai sighed in relief. "That's good. Alright, you're clear to enter. We'll let you pass."

    Ying climbed back into the RV, and as they drove off, Hu Tao stuck her head out the window. "Drop by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor sometime for tea!"

    Acai chuckled. "Sure thing, Master Hu!"



    Hu Tao took Ying to park the RV at the entrance of Wangsheng Hall and asked the staff to keep an eye on it.

    Then, Hu Tao took Ying and Paimon to Chihuyan on foot.

    The streets of Chihuyan were narrower than those in Yujingtai, and the crowd made it difficult for Ying to drive through. Walking was the better choice.

    Before long, they arrived at Wanmin Hall.

    As soon as Hu Tao stepped inside, she called out toward the kitchen.

    "Xiangling! The master of the hall is here! Is my dish ready?"

    A second later, Xiangling poked her head out from the kitchen.

    "Go to the second floor first; there's still another pot of soup cooking."

    Hu Tao lifted the curtain and peeked inside. A rich, fragrant fish soup simmered over the fire.

    "Alright! Come up quickly—we'll eat together later."

    Hu Tao led Ying and Paimon up to the second floor. Unlike the bustling first floor, the upper level had only a single large round table—a "private room" of sorts for special guests.

    The moment they sat down, Paimon sniffed the air and sighed dreamily. "Mmm, it smells so good!"

    Ying turned to Hu Tao. "Are we heading to Yuri's place later?"

    Hu Tao raised an eyebrow. "You want to go? What for?"

    "I'm running low on Stellar Jade, so I need to buy some supplies. Then, I figured I'd check in on Ying and the others. They found a new place, right? I want to see it. Do you want to come?"

    Hu Tao considered. Business at the Internet café was thriving, and the ceremonial officer's sister had already mastered its operations. As for Wangsheng Hall, today's funerals were simple affairs that didn't require her presence.

    "Alright, let's go have some fun together."

    Just then, Xiangling and Guoba arrived, each carrying a steaming pot of fish soup, while Yi Xiong followed with a large pot of rice.

    "What are you all talking about?" Xiangling asked as she set the soup down.

    Hu Tao grinned. "Nothing much—just making plans for later. By the way, let me introduce you. This is Ying, the Traveler, and the floating one is Paimon."

    Ying and Paimon both smiled and waved.

    Xiangling returned the gesture. "Nice to meet you, Ying, Paimon! But let's eat first—food won't taste as good once it gets cold."

    The four of them began their meal, chatting as they ate.

    Hu Tao popped a golden shrimp ball into her mouth and turned to Xiangling. "Hey, do you want to come with us this afternoon?"

    Xiangling agreed immediately. She wasn't on duty today; Hu Tao had only asked her to prepare this meal, so she was free afterward.

    "Sure! Where are we going? Luhua Pool? Dihua Marsh?"

    Hu Tao shook her head. "Neither. We're going to another world."

    Xiangling blinked in confusion. "Another world? What do you mean?"

    "Exactly what it sounds like. Are you coming?"

    Xiangling gaped. "What?! Hu Tao, do you actually know how to travel to other worlds? You're not messing with me again, are you?"

    Hu Tao huffed and gestured toward Ying. "If you don't believe me, ask her. I'm not lying."

    Xiangling turned to Ying with wide eyes.

    Ying nodded. "Hu Tao is telling the truth. I'm not from Teyvat—I come from another world."

    Xiangling's jaw nearly hit the table. "What?! Ying, you're from beyond this world?!"

    Hu Tao chuckled and pushed Xiangling back into her seat. "Calm down, calm down. It's just another world—no big deal. Eat up; we'll head out after lunch."



    More than two hours later, Hu Tao, Ying, Xiangling, and Paimon arrived at Jueyunjian on Hu Tao's flying motorcycle.

    As soon as they landed, they saw Liuyun walking out of her cave.

    Hu Tao tilted her head and grinned. "Master Liuyun, finally stepping outside, huh?"

    Liuyun snorted. "Hmph! What do you know, little girl? This adeptus has been studying new techniques. Do you even understand what that means?"

    Hu Tao shrugged. "Nope. But I do know that you broke my motorcycle and never fixed it. Clara had to do it instead. Hehe~"

    Liuyun bristled. "What do you know?! I was merely—" She trailed off, struggling to find an excuse.

    "Forget it! You wouldn't understand even if I explained. Now scram—stop bothering me. I have important research to do."

    With that, Liuyun turned and disappeared back into the cave.

    Hu Tao pursed her lips, then grabbed Xiangling's wrist and led her into the portal.

    "Come on—let's go play!"



    Train, Yuri's shop.

    Hu Tao, Ying, Xiangling, and Paimon arrived to find Amber and Eula lounging in the tea break area, eating cupcakes.

    Hu Tao waved. "Amber, Eula! You two are here too?"

    Amber, holding a cupcake, smiled. "Yeah! Since everyone in the Knights has been improving with the Wind Spirit Technique, Captain Jean gave us a day off to relax."

    Hu Tao nodded. "Got it. By the way, I wonder how Lady Ningguang and the others are doing with the Vajra Body Forging Technique."

    Eula took a bite of her cupcake before replying. "I heard Ningguang is extremely capable, so she should have no trouble with it."

    "Makes sense," Hu Tao agreed. "I don't know why I even questioned her. Ningguang built herself up from nothing to become the most powerful woman in Liyue. She can handle it."

    Then, she glanced around. "By the way, where's Kevin? I don't see him or the others."

    Amber explained, "They're on an expedition. Himeko said they ran into a tough enemy, but they won in the end."

    Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Oh? Then I should call him and see where they are—we can go find them! How about it?"

    Amber, Eula, and the others agreed, and Ying had no objections either. Yuri's shop wasn't going anywhere, so they weren't in a rush.

    Hu Tao pulled out her phone. "Hello? Kevin, where are you?"

    On the other end, Kevin was perched atop a defeated Trampler, the Judgment of Shamash in one hand and his phone in the other.

    "March 7th and I are in Xianzhou Luofu. Why?"

    "Ying and I want to come hang out. Where exactly are you? We'll come find you."

    Kevin thought for a moment. "I'll come pick you up. We're pretty far from the train, and I don't want you getting lost."

    Hu Tao grinned. "Sounds good! We'll wait for you here."

    She ended the call and turned to the group. "Alright, let's kill some time while we wait!"

    Xiangling, experiencing the train for the first time, wandered around in awe.

    "Whoa… is that a lantern? It looks different… And what's this thing playing moving pictures?!"
     
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