Chapter 44: The Second Day of Getting Serious in Liyue
Wangshu Inn is located on the border of Dihua Island and Guiliyuan. The Qianyan Army is guarding it not far away. Even so, there are still many monsters lurking nearby.
There is a pool with talismans from immortals pasted on it near Wangshu Inn. In fact, it is the place where the remnants of the demon god are suppressed. That is why Xiao would watch here for a long time and regularly eliminate the monsters that are contaminated by the leaked miasma.
"The last time we came here, we encountered a fake immortal called... Tianjun. He acted recklessly because he had a talisman in his hand, and even pissed off the hillbillies. Fortunately, Kong and I were there at the time, otherwise it would have been terrible."
Paimon said this proudly, and her vivid appearance seemed as if it was not an empty hand that was moving, but herself.
"But that guy has realized his mistake now, and even used his own money to build a temple for the Yaksha named Tongque. He can be considered to have turned over a new leaf, right? By the way, Kong, next time we have a chance, let's go and burn some incense for Tongque, right?"
Although the immortals have passed away, they cannot and are unwilling to forget. The immortals who once sacrificed their lives to protect Liyue need to be respected and remembered by future generations.
"Tongque...oh...it's that little guy. He was always at the forefront during the Demon God War. After the war, he always liked to eat several freshly grilled Chigo fish."
Although the wear and tear has never stopped for thousands of years, Zhongli's strength is much better than that of the Dragon King Ruota. It is not easy for him to retain most of his memories and emotions. He is also very pleased that someone is willing to build a temple for the Yaksha who sacrificed that year.
"If there is a chance, you can take me with you to worship next time."
...A large, invisible drop of sweat rolled down the back of Kong's head. He didn't know whether the Bronze Sparrow Immortal was willing to accept the Emperor's worship. He was afraid that he might be scared to death.
But before reaching Wangshu Inn, Xiao had already sensed the Emperor's presence and took the initiative to come down to greet him. However, out of concern for the mortals here, he did not kneel down to greet him as soon as he appeared.
"Emperor... Lord Zhongli, why are you here? And... you guys."
He looked around and touched his head awkwardly. He didn't dare to say that it was Shui Qingli who asked him to come over to help persuade them.
But if it is really helpful to Xiao's body, he still supports Qingli. Zhongli must have the same idea, so he went to the trouble to make the trip.
"Let's find a place to sit down and talk about it in detail."
Zhongli did not directly state his purpose, as it was not appropriate to speak here with so many people around.
The staircase leading to the top floor of Wangshu Inn is very long, but due to the existence of waterwheel power, a small pavilion that can move up and down is specially installed here, which is called the cool ladder.
I specifically asked for a quiet private room, and Philgodette was tactful enough to close the door tightly to prevent anyone from disturbing me.
She recognized Zhongli's face easily. The knowledgeable and well-informed guest officials of the Wangsheng Hall were very famous in Liyue.
After observing carefully for a while, until Xiao felt a little uncomfortable being stared at by him, Zhongli slowly spoke.
"It does have some effect. Your aura has changed a little."
"It's all my fault. I'm sorry that Master Zhongli has to worry about me."
Xiao shook his head and spoke in a low voice, his eyes looking somewhat discouraged.
"I am worried about you not only as your former superior, but also as a mortal. Liyue's current stability is inseparable from your secret efforts, but it is precisely because of this that you need to take better care of yourself."
Each of his words seemed to contain power, and they struck Xiao's heart one by one. Although they did not contain any accusation, they made him blush with shame.
Zhongli didn't want to say it so harshly, but given Xiao's personality, drastic measures were needed, but gentle means were also indispensable.
He stopped talking, but looked at the worried blond boy on the other side.
"Xiao, are you okay? I heard Qingli say you were in a lot of pain just now."
The boy's eyes were full of sincerity, making it hard for people to refuse to answer.
"I'm fine, this is nothing."
Looking at the boy's eyes, the immortal in boy form turned his head away and didn't look into his eyes.
"If you want to clear out the monsters, I can help. You should take good care of yourself first. You finally found a way to get rid of your karma. You can't torture yourself like this."
Kong's eyes became more relieved, and then he smiled, patting his chest and speaking.
Anyway, he was used to fighting and often took on various tasks from the Adventurer's Association. It was no problem for him to help Xiao deal with more monsters near Ogihua Island.
"...Well, I understand."
Seeing the boy's smile, his voice softened a little and he responded unconsciously.
Shui Qingli, who had been silent since she entered the door, kept winking at Zhongli with a teasing smile in her eyes.
After all, you are not the only one in Xiao’s heart now, Lord Emperor.
In the past, Xiao was worried that his karma would hurt others and didn't want to get close to anyone.
Now, Xiao will rush to help as soon as the Traveler calls.
Zhongli smiled and shook his head. The Traveler's personality was indeed likable, and it was a blessing to have a friend like him. After all, Xiao respected him more, and it was not easy to have a like-minded friend who was willing to get along with him.
He is not the kind of person who would care about such things.
The smile on Shui Qingli's lips was almost reaching the sky. To describe it with a familiar word, it was an auntie's smile.
Oh, it feels so good to ship the couple on the spot. I don’t care whether they are real or not, they are real in my eyes anyway.
He even wanted to change his mind and go to Inazuma to watch Ye Tiandi heroically save the damsel in distress.
There are many famous scenes in Inazuma that are worth checking out. If he hadn't considered his current lack of strength, he would have really changed his mind and followed Sora to Inazuma.
Well, who isn't a geek who studies life and death?
Zhongli raised his brows slightly as he looked at his expression. Although he didn't know what Qingli was thinking that made him laugh so happily, he always felt that... it might be something related to Xiao and the Traveler.
"Although the traveler is quite capable, he is not strong enough to handle it alone. We might as well ask others to help."
He said leisurely.
"other people?"
Paimon was biting her handkerchief, moved by the friendship between the Traveler and Xiao, when she suddenly heard Zhongli's words. She responded curiously.
"Are you referring to the other immortals? But are they willing to come here from Jueyunjian?"
Although it is not difficult to ask the immortals for help, other immortals do not seem to be as elusive as Xiao. Merchants often pass by near Dihuazhou and Guiliyuan, so it is easy to see immortals.
"Isn't there a helper here?"
Zhongli's words attracted all their attention and focused it on Shui Qingli.
Shui Qingli, who was enjoying herself, suddenly came to her senses and pointed at herself blankly.
"I?"