What's the first thing to do upon arriving in Liyue?
That's right! I'm going to see Hu Tao!
Yes, I'm taking my wife Seele to go see Hu Tao!
That's right! Hu Tao!
Not getting chased by a massive Geo Hilichurl King!!!
Damn it! All I did was kill a few Whopperflowers that attacked me while passing by!
Why am I being pursued by such a huge Geo Hilichurl King!!!
Back on the snow mountain, Cid had actually defeated a Cryo Hilichurl King.
But that was only accomplished thanks to the Dragonspine Spear in his hand and the abundant Crimson Agates everywhere.
The Geo-attributed Hilichurl King was the one Cid least wanted to encounter.
It's ridiculously tough! It's insanely fast when chasing! And most importantly, its attacks hurt like hell!
Hilichurl Kings truly are lifelong enemies!!!
Looking at the Geo Hilichurl King behind him, pursuing as if it had lost its wife.
Cid said he had a massive headache.
Offering to the Frostbearing Tree did have benefits—it granted him many gifts from the world, including improvements to his physique.
If not for the Frostbearing Tree's gifts, he would have already been caught by now.
But no big deal.
A Hilichurl King can't maintain its elemental infusion state for long.
With my stamina, a mere Hilichurl King.
If you've got the guts, chase me all the way to Liyue Harbor!
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...
Damn it! I'm done pretending!
Cid looked at the Hilichurl King still chasing him from behind.
I've been running this long! How are you getting more excited the longer you chase!
Did you snort some stimulants or something!?
Even a clay figurine has some temper!!!
I...
I'll kite you a little longer!!!
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...
The Hilichurl King's speed finally slowed.
As expected, maintaining the elemental charge state for so long had worn it out.
The Geo elemental power on the Geo Hilichurl King had already dimmed.
Hey! You're wilting!
Now it's my turn!
Do you know what endurance forged in harsh environments means!!!
Cid pulled out his alchemical crossbow and fired.
Wait! Why is your glow brightening again!
Damn it! I knew it wouldn't be that simple!!!
Cid continued kiting.
Anyway, today you're definitely dying!!!
...
Cid thrust his spear through the Geo Hilichurl King's chest.
He quietly watched as it tried to condense Geo elemental power but could do nothing about it.
The Hilichurl King's expression was filled with unwillingness.
"Have a good journey. I'll send you to reunite with your flowers."
Cid pulled out his Dragonspine Spear.
He watched as the Hilichurl King's body turned blood-red, then gradually froze over.
To be honest... why do I feel like watching this pitiful sight...
Makes me seem like the villain...
Speaking of which, counting that Abyss Mage on the snow mountain...
Never mind, better hurry to Liyue Harbor...
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Cid sat in Wanmin Hall, gnawing on xiaolongbao.
So delicious!!!
First blow on it gently, take a small bite to break the skin of the xiaolongbao, drink all the soup inside first, then send the entire xiaolongbao into the mouth...
Damn it! It's not time yet to indulge in gourmet food!!!
Where's your willpower, Cid!!!
In the end, Cid still couldn't resist.
He packed five portions of xiaolongbao and ate them while walking.
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As a socially anxious person, Cid obtained the address of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor from Katheryne.
Why ask Katheryne?
Because of the Liyue people's prejudice against the inauspicious place that is the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...
It's safest to just ask Katheryne honestly.
Easy.
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On the way to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Cid spotted a small figure walking along the rooftops.
Twin ponytails, plum-blossom pupils... though she was really tiny...
But this was undoubtedly Hu Tao as a child!
Wait! Why is little Hu Tao walking on the rooftop!!!
And such a small child is running so fast on the roof!!!
Is no one keeping an eye on her!?
...
Little Hu Tao noticed Cid's gaze.
He looked like a very interesting adventurer uncle.
He even seemed concerned about her.
It felt like she had found something fun.
Little Hu Tao ran toward the adventurer uncle's direction.
The adventurer uncle looked extremely panicked.
He subconsciously backed against the wall, terrified that she would fall.
Aiya~ Since he's prepared for it, it would be rude not to fall, right?
And just like that, little Hu Tao perfectly "fell" down.
In reality, little Hu Tao at this moment had already prepared to land safely.
Even if this uncle didn't catch her, she could land without injury.
A pair of strong, big hands caught her.
They were hands that gave a great sense of security~
...
Damn! Good thing my hands were quick!!!
If this little Hu Tao had fallen to the ground, I'd have to apologize with my life!!!
Cid looked at the bright, spirited plum-blossom pupils of little Hu Tao who had landed in his arms.
So cute...
Cid held back the words "Little kids should be careful and not run on rooftops" that were on the tip of his tongue.
Damn it! Such a cute child—I don't want to scold her at all!!!
I definitely don't want little Hu Tao to hate me because I scolded her!!!!!