While Liyue was still reeling from the events concerning Ganyu, Yuto, the culprit, was struggling to return with Qiqi, as their bountiful harvest of two large baskets full of fresh medicinal herbs attracted the covetous gaze of more than one group of Treasure Hoarders.
Just near the small path leading out of Jueyun Karst, Yuto and Qiqi encountered two ambushes by Treasure Hoarders. A large group of them, with sinister smiles, surrounded Yuto and Qiqi, threatening them to hand over their herb baskets obediently.
The Treasure Hoarders lived up to their name; they were only interested in treasure and wouldn't go so far as to take lives. In a sense, they still adhered to a certain code of conduct.
Unlike ninjas, who would use any means necessary to complete a mission. If killing someone would help them achieve their objective, a ninja would not hesitate to strike. As a Chunin, Yuto naturally had a few lives on his hands, and killing was not something he agonized over.
However, the smiles on their faces quickly transferred to Yuto's, as Qiqi easily dealt with them before Yuto even had to make a move. The elemental power of a Vision holder was simply too overpowered for ordinary people. Coupled with the strength and speed granted to Qiqi by her zombie body, the Treasure Hoarders had no room to retaliate.
After Qiqi had knocked them all down, Yuto began his own act of 'robbing the robbers,' rummaging through their belongings. Unfortunately, those who become Treasure Hoarders don't seem to have much potential for wealth. Besides some scattered Mora and a few Treasure Hoarder-exclusive Raven Insignias, there was nothing else.
Qiqi couldn't quite understand Yuto's act of plundering others in return, but after Yuto promised to treat her to cold coconut milk once they returned to the city, Qiqi quickly joined the search. However, after her Talisman was removed, Qiqi couldn't control her strength very well, causing several of the searched Treasure Hoarders to suffer greatly.
Since Ganyu helped with this herb-gathering trip, they had two extra days of free time compared to usual. Yuto felt there was no need to rush back to Liyue Harbor. Moreover, it was already nearing noon, so Yuto decided to take a detour to Wangshu Inn in Dihua Marsh to rest his feet, have lunch, and buy Qiqi a bottle of coconut milk.
By the time the two arrived at Wangshu Inn, they could finally relax, as this place was arguably one of the two safest locations in Liyue.
Wangshu Inn, located in the southern part of Dihua Marsh, has flat terrain and an open view. It is also a necessary route for land trade between Liyue and Mondstadt, with frequent merchant caravans. Due to the long trade route from Liyue to Mondstadt, Wangshu Inn, situated in the middle, became the preferred stop for many merchant caravans.
Wangshu Inn is managed by Verr Goldet. While generating Mora, it also serves as an excellent lookout post, allowing Liyue time and space to react to any disturbances.
Because of this, a small number of Millelith are stationed at Wangshu Inn. Why are there so few people stationed in such an important place? It's because at the top of the inn, there is a Yaksha Adeptus who loves almond tofu, the Vigilant Yaksha, Xiao.
[...]
As the owner of Wangshu Inn, Verr Goldet was idly standing at the front desk, greeting guests. At this moment, a strange pair caught her attention.
She saw a young man holding a plate of freshly made almond tofu in one hand, and with the other, he was leading a small girl with a talisman on her forehead. The little girl was holding a bottle of unfinished coconut milk and was diligently sipping from it with a straw.
As one of Ningguang's exclusive informants, the well-informed Verr Goldet naturally recognized Qiqi's identity. However, she didn't recognize the young man next to Qiqi. How could Qiqi, a zombie, allow a stranger to hold her hand without any resistance? And why was the young man specifically carrying a dish of almond tofu?
Something was wrong, definitely something was going on.
She watched as the young man, with a clear destination, led Qiqi to the top floor of Wangshu Inn, as if he knew what was up there.
The owner's gaze followed the young man until he was out of sight, then her previously lazy eyes suddenly sharpened, and a solemn expression appeared on her face. She was deep in thought.
Although almond tofu is a very simple signature dish at Wangshu Inn, and the top floor of Wangshu Inn is not a special place, when these two are combined, it becomes anything but ordinary.
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