Originally, Qiqi had been in a rather good mood after her cultivation practice that day.
But the instant she heard that familiar voice and saw that familiar face, everything collapsed.
In Qiqi's eyes, the delicate and pretty Hu Tao looked even more terrifying than the corpses trailing behind her.
She was the perfect embodiment of a nightmare, the kind of devil that could make children stop crying in terror.
That fear had seeped into Qiqi's very bones. Even now, after stepping into the path of cultivation, she could not shake off the shadow Hu Tao had left on her.
She might not remember many things from the past…
But the terror Hu Tao brought her—she remembered all too well.
After all…
There had been several times when she had nearly been buried—or cremated—alive by Hu Tao!
Qiqi took a few steps back, staring warily at her, before finally blurting out in a trembling voice filled with fear:
"Hot… hateful demon!"
The smile on Hu Tao's face instantly froze, and for a moment, she looked very awkward.
Judging from Qiqi's state, her memory had indeed recovered a great deal. She could clearly recall the names of many people—she could even recite things Ningguang and Jiang Yan had said to her.
Yet when it came to Hu Tao, she only had a few… very unflattering labels.
Was she really that hated by Qiqi?
Hu Tao had always thought her own popularity wasn't bad.
Besides, she hadn't actually sent Qiqi off back then, had she?
"Um… Qiqi, actually, our relationship isn't that bad, you know?" Hu Tao forced a smile.
"Don't you remember? Back in Jueyun Karst, when you got lost, I even let you sit by my fire to get warm."
Qiqi's eyes widened, her fear only deepening.
That was true. Back in Jueyun Karst, Hu Tao had let her sit by a fire.
But the "thing" being roasted… had been her!
Over the years, Hu Tao had never stopped harboring thoughts of sending her away. Qiqi was certain this woman was once again up to something dangerous. Without hesitation, she summoned her flying sword beneath her feet.
In the blink of an eye, she shot off like a streak of light, vanishing into the horizon.
All that remained at Liyue Harbor's gates were countless gasps of awe from the onlookers—and Hu Tao, left standing there with her smile frozen in place.
Baiwen couldn't help but chuckle at Hu Tao's expression, but he still managed to hold it in as he said:
"Since you're already here, Hall Master Hu, there's no need for us to send someone to inform Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Once the families arrive to claim the bodies, we'll trouble you to oversee the encoffining and burials."
Hu Tao puffed up her cheeks, hands on her hips, and gave the scene a reluctant glance.
Her mood soured further.
Sure, this was a big job…
But the victims were way too pitiful, and just preparing the coffins would be a hassle.
And besides, not all of them even had families.
By her estimate, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would likely lose money on this job.
It wasn't that Hu Tao minded the Mora so much…
But between having her "clients" snatched away by Qiqi and now having to pay out of pocket to bury people who weren't even her customers—
Well, it left her feeling thoroughly dissatisfied.
Baiwen noticed her mood and sighed.
"Please rest assured, Hall Master Hu. For those without families, the General Affairs Bureau will cover the expenses on their behalf."
"…Fine, fine! Births and farewells, yin and yang—Wangsheng Funeral Parlor exists for this very reason. Mora isn't everything," Hu Tao muttered, pursing her lips.
Still, she looked troubled.
"I really don't know where Zhongli's disappeared to. He's been gone so long, not even the ledgers are being handled. With this many clients, without him, I'm going to work myself to death."
At those words, Baiwen's expression turned a touch awkward.
Zhongli… well, he had gone to Mount Shu to cultivate immortality.
And now, he was even serving as acting First Seat of the Enforcement Hall, standing tall at the peak of Longshou Peak. His second career was flourishing.
To ask the Geo Archon himself—acting First Seat of Mount Shu—to help bury ordinary mortals…
What sort of fortune would those dead need to have?
Baiwen thought such trivial tasks were hardly worth troubling him over.
Better to just pay Wangsheng Funeral Parlor more Mora, and let them hire extra help.
"You've worked hard, Hall Master Hu," Baiwen said politely. He gave orders to have the corpses delivered to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, then departed with the Millelith.
Hu Tao, meanwhile, cast another glance in the direction where Qiqi had fled. Her heart hardened with resolve—she would absolutely go to Mount Shu in the near future, seek out Qiqi, and have a proper talk with her.
She admitted that what she'd done back then had been unfair. But maintaining the balance between life and death, yin and yang, was a duty Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had upheld for thousands of years.
She could not abandon that responsibility.
Though she did feel sorry for Qiqi from the bottom of her heart, duty came first.
Now that Qiqi had found a new life, Hu Tao didn't need to chase her anymore.
But when they met again—she'd apologize.
And then… she would learn corpse herding too!
What was the big deal about corpse herding anyway?
Once she mastered it, she'd like to see how Qiqi could still steal her business!
With a huff, Hu Tao swaggered off toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As for the battlefield, only the corpses of the beasts and a throng of spectators remained.
But with the Millelith watching, no one dared act on any greedy thoughts.
"Quickly tally the beasts and send them into storage," Baiwen ordered before leaving.
"Yes, Secretary Baiwen!"
The soldiers got to work immediately.
Baiwen then turned to Chongyun. After a pause, he chose his words carefully:
"Chongyun, would you be willing to sell these beasts? The General Affairs Bureau can purchase them at the highest price."
At once, those present with strength to act perked up.
No one dared touch the beasts slain by Qiqi—Ningguang herself had declared them off-limits. They were hers, and hers alone.
But Chongyun's kills… those were a different matter entirely.
Beast meat was precious. It could strengthen one's body. Even the Millelith themselves didn't have enough of it.
Chongyun alone—how could he possibly consume so much?
"The Northland Bank is also willing to pay top price," Rosalyne spoke up after some thought. "Should Young Master Chongyun wish to sell, we will not disappoint you."
Since Chongyun had killed them himself, this was a fair bidding process. Baiwen had no grounds to object.
As expected, he merely cast Rosalyne a calm glance and said nothing more.
One by one, merchants joined in the bidding, until Chongyun felt utterly overwhelmed.
These beasts behind him had suddenly become a scorching hot potato.
Just then, several figures rushed to his side, hastily waving their hands.
"Apologies, apologies! The meat of these beasts will not be sold. Our son risked life and limb to earn this. It carries profound meaning for our family—we will not part with it."
Chongyun turned to look. It was his family.
He exhaled in relief.
"In that case, forget it," Baiwen said mildly. He wasn't disappointed. After all, Qiqi came by every night. There would be no shortage of beasts in Liyue.
He offered a polite smile.
"Would you like assistance transporting them home? Also, please note—storing beast meat is tricky. It requires jade vessels, or else the spiritual energy will quickly dissipate."
Chongyun's father relaxed, replying warmly:
"No need to trouble you, Secretary Baiwen. We can manage the transport ourselves. But as for jade vessels, we will need to make some purchases. Do you have any recommendations?"
"Go to the Jade Chamber's jade workshop," Baiwen answered lightly.
"Much obliged, Secretary Baiwen."
With that, Baiwen departed with his troops, leaving Rosalyne glaring resentfully at the beasts.
But in Liyue, under such watchful eyes, she dared not make a move.
Instead, she turned to Chongyun once more.
"Whenever you decide, Young Master Chongyun—the Northland Bank will always be ready to offer a price that satisfies you. Please do consider it."
Not giving him a chance to refuse, she left decisively.
Other merchants approached Chongyun's father with praise for his son's valor, each urging them to reconsider their bids.
But soon, they too dispersed.
At last, Chongyun's father let out a long breath. Looking at his battered son, he felt both heartache and frustration.
"You… such a disobedient child! The General Affairs Bureau issued repeated warnings—Jueyun Karst is dangerous! Why didn't you listen? If not for Qiqi, what would your mother and I do if something had happened to you?"
Chongyun bit his lip, guilt welling up.
"I just… I just wanted to see if there was a way to fix my constitution."
"You needn't worry about that," his father sighed.
"Your task now is to focus on preparing for the Opening Ceremony of Mount Shu. Once you are accepted, do you really think your constitution will remain a problem?"
"Enough talk!" Chongyun's mother snapped, glaring at her husband. "Can't you see how exhausted our child is? He's wounded—let's take him home."
Chongyun's father shook his head but began organizing servants to load the beasts onto carts.
Though this scare had nearly broken them, the results were undeniably good.
These beasts were true treasures. With proper use, the entire family's strength could rise sharply.
Especially with Liyue's grand martial expansion on the horizon—beast meat would allow them to get a head start.
In the days to come, when martial strength ruled both Liyue and all of Teyvat, only those with power would avoid being left behind.
Any farsighted person could see this truth.
"Father, Mother—I have another important piece of news," Chongyun suddenly said.
He cast a glance around. Though the Millelith's presence deterred most, the attention their haul had drawn still carried risk.
He decided it was best to borrow some momentum.
His father raised a brow. "What is it?"
Chongyun deliberately raised his voice:
"Just now, Qiqi told me that Aunt Shenhe has already been accepted into Mount Shu. She's cultivating on Bamboo Peak, and apparently her progress is going smoothly. Because of her unique constitution, she's even being trained as the next Peak Master."
At those words, the gazes hidden in the shadows instantly withdrew.
One by one, those who had been eyeing the beasts backed away.
Chongyun's parents caught on to his intentions.
But more than that, they were overjoyed at the news itself.
"I knew it!" his father exclaimed, slapping his son on the shoulder.
"Your aunt is the disciple of Cloud Retainer. Since Cloud Retainer herself joined Mount Shu, it was only natural for Shenhe to follow. Excellent! With her there, when you join Mount Shu too, you'll have someone to look out for you. Truly wonderful news!"
"Tonight, let's choose one of the beasts and have a feast to celebrate her! We'll taste for ourselves the flavor of beast meat."
Chongyun's eyes lit up.
"Why not ask Xiangling and Master Mao? Wanmin Restaurant's cooking is second to none, and Xiangling has always said she wanted to experiment with beast meat."
His father readily agreed. Their family had always been close with Wanmin Restaurant.
And with them—the Feiyun Commerce Guild as well.
"Send word to the Feiyun Commerce Guild, too. You went alone into Jueyun Karst—Xingqiu was worried sick."
Even as he spoke, a group approached in haste.
"No need, Uncle Chong. Xingqiu has already come uninvited."
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