In the days following the release of the book Sleeved Autumn Winds Inquire of Crimson Leaves, Teyvat experienced a 'great migration.'
Many people began heading to Liyue, with one nation conspicuously excluded—Inazuma. Everyone received an invitation. Guess who didn't?
Beidou's 'World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament' officially commenced. Due to the event's massive scale, Keqing and Yelan even brought the Millelith to maintain order.
It wasn't just the Millelith—Zhongli had also snuck into the crowd, eager to witness this 'grand spectacle.'
On the open grounds of Guyun Stone Forest, everyone chatted and laughed, gathering intel on their 'opponents.'
On the beach, Lucian and several women lounged on deck chairs, wearing sunglasses. The chairs were prepared by Lucian, while the sunglasses belonged to Navia. Initially, Hu Tao had insisted on providing the chairs herself, but Lucian refused, fearing she'd bring ones shaped like coffins.
"So, none of you plan to participate?" Lucian asked.
"I-I'll pass... Ahem, a god joining such a competition would just be bullying," Furina was the first to respond.
Guizhong, however, was blunt: "I'm too weak."
Havria nodded in agreement—without her artifacts, she'd struggle even against an ordinary person.
"It's not a competition for mechanical arts. I'm not interested," Cloud Retainer said, tinkering with her Automatic Cooking Divine Machine, intending to prepare a feast for everyone.
Streetward Rambler and Shenhe had even less interest in martial arts. Among them, only Hu Tao seemed somewhat intrigued—though her interest was a bit... misplaced. She was more fascinated by the potential accidents that could occur during the tournament.
So, instead of sunbathing with the others, Hu Tao was among the spectators, promoting her 'services.' Selling funeral arrangements before a martial arts tournament? People were left utterly speechless.
"How about purchasing the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services? Guaranteed peace of mind for the competition, no worries on your final journey~!" Hu Tao chirped.
"Childe, everyone knows you owe Little Lucian a life. The earlier you buy, the sooner you'll enjoy~!" Turns out, she was pitching to Tartaglia.
"Director Hu, I already refused last time," Tartaglia massaged his forehead.
"Ehh, no big deal! Have a funeral in Liyue, then another in Snezhnaya—problem solved!"
"That's what we call: one corpse (departure), two fates~!"
Tartaglia stared at Hu Tao. I may not be the most cultured, but I'm pretty sure that's not what the idiom means...
"I see... Liyue truly hides dragons and tigers," Cyno remarked after overhearing Hu Tao.
"I am the 'King of Jokes,' Cyno. And you are...?"
Hu Tao blinked at the sudden stranger. Though she loved mischief, she usually only pitched to acquaintances—mostly Liyue locals. She hadn't expected a Sumeru native to engage with her.
But this 'King of Jokes'—was it a profession or a nickname?
Next up, approaching us is the Sumeru delegation! Upholding the belief that knowledge is power, their slogan is filled with such might...
Tighnari pretended not to know Cyno, discussing the participants with Kaveh instead.
"The current director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—that's me, Hu Tao!" Hu Tao, never one to shy away, introduced herself immediately.
"Director Hu, let me introduce my companions," Cyno said.
Tighnari's ears perked up. I'm pretending not to know you—you're not about to introduce me, are you?
His fears were realized as Cyno proceeded to introduce them all—even Faruzan, who had merely traveled with them.
After the introductions, Cyno declared, "Director Hu has already showcased her skills. Now, allow me to demonstrate mine."
Tighnari was on high alert. If this guy makes a cold joke about me, I'm covering his mouth.
"Do you know why Kaveh uses a claymore?" Cyno asked mysteriously.
"Huh? Me?" Kaveh was caught off guard.
Tighnari sighed in relief. At least it's not about me.
"Is it because he's strong?" Faruzan pondered seriously.
"If we're talking strength, Alhaitham's even stronger, isn't he? And he uses a sword," Kaveh retorted.
"I'm just a feeble scholar," Alhaitham countered.
"Feeble scholar?" Tartaglia raised an eyebrow. I can tell at a glance you're no 'feeble scholar.'
Kaveh shot Alhaitham a look. Haitham, you said you didn't know martial arts!
"Could it be influenced by someone else? Like me," Collei analyzed earnestly.
While everyone else was deep in thought, only Tighnari knew the answer would be anything but serious—he knew Cyno too well.
Seeing no one could guess, Cyno allowed a faint smile. "Because he's a great architect."
"A great architect... Why would that mean he uses a claymore?" Faruzan still didn't get it.
"Don't ask..." Tighnari sighed.
Cyno cheerfully explained, "Because it's a great sword! Great for building!"
"..." Silence.
"Ugh, I'm such a fool for taking this seriously," Faruzan facepalmed.
Tartaglia glanced at Cyno's Vision. Not Cryo, huh?
Hu Tao broke into a sweat. This joke-telling skill is on par with Little Lucian's... Is this the 'King of Jokes' of Sumeru?
"What a riot!" A mysterious clapping man made his entrance.
Next up, approaching us is the Mondstadt delegation...
Tartaglia noted that this time, it was a Cryo Vision user.
Kaeya grinned. "Marvelous. This 'King of Jokes' tells quite the amusing jokes. I wish my sworn brother could hear them too."
His sworn brother also wielded a claymore.
"Quite amusing indeed," Albedo agreed.
Tighnari was stunned. Someone actually finds Cyno's jokes funny?
Even worse—there was more than one? Their attire... probably Mondstadters?
Have the people of Mondstadt evolved to this point already?
"Huh? That was funny?" Mona was baffled.
"A-Apologies for interrupting," Noelle bowed slightly.
She felt it was impolite to suddenly join a conversation among strangers, as if eavesdropping.
"No need, no need," Tighnari waved it off, politely engaging with her.
Thank goodness, not all Mondstadters have 'evolved.'
Unexpectedly, Mondstadt's 'Queen of Women' actually knew someone from Sumeru.
"Collei!" Amber waved excitedly.
"Ah! Amber!" Collei was thrilled to see her, rushing over.
Then she noticed the blue-haired beauty standing beside Amber, exuding an unapproachable aura. Though Lucian had written about Eula and even drawn illustrations, Collei recognized her—but recognition didn't equate to courage.
And Collei also noticed another green-haired girl silently trailing behind Albedo.
This feeling... a kindred spirit?
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Character Voiceline · Cyno: About Hu Tao
"Hmm, Director Hu is also a master of jokes. It seems the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is a truly formidable organization.
However, her jokes all revolve around life and death. I hope she explores other themes in the future."