Kapitel 9: Lizard? True Dragon? Zhongli's Attention!
Upon hearing Hu Tao's whimsical name choice, Lin Yuan initially wanted to complain. However, when he opened his mouth, a charmingly silly sound escaped instead.
This sound was neither that of a snake nor a lizard; it was unlike anything Lin Yuan had heard before, leaving him momentarily bewildered. A towering man of 1.8 meters had somehow reincarnated as a "Huan Huan" creature?
The employees of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were captivated by Lin Yuan's adorable sound.
"Wow, this little guy actually made a noise, and it's so cute!"
"I've never heard any animal make such a 'ying ying' sound."
"What does this little fellow mean by that?"
"Since Hu Tao named it Huan Huan, maybe it's responding to its name. Perhaps it likes it!"
Lin Yuan's silly sound, combined with his dark yellow body, melted the hearts of several female attendants at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Lin Yuan felt speechless. Who would like a name like Huan Huan? These people couldn't even tell he was protesting!
Clearly, the staff's taste had become aligned with Hu Tao's.
However, based on their reactions, Lin Yuan confirmed that he didn't look ugly at all. In fact, his appearance was endearing enough to invoke a protective instinct in young girls. This thought eased his earlier anxiety; being cute could provide some advantages in human society.
As Hu Tao inspected Lin Yuan, her plum blossom eyes widened when he made that silly sound.
Even Hu Tao found Lin Yuan's appearance lovable.
Yet, after scrutinizing him, she still couldn't figure out what kind of creature he was. He had scales, underdeveloped horns, and tiny limbs, but nothing matched any animals she knew.
Turning to the others, she asked, "Can any of you tell what Huan Huan is?"
The staff began to ponder and speculate:
"Parlor Head, I think it might be some kind of undiscovered rare lizard."
"Does a lizard make such a cute sound? Huan Huan can't be a lizard; it must be a snake!"
"Even if it were a legged snake, it wouldn't have horns. Huan Huan is definitely not a lizard or a snake."
"Well, what do you think it is then?"
"I don't know, but it's definitely not an ordinary species."
The guesses kept coming, but no one could pinpoint Lin Yuan's exact species. One thing was clear to everyone: he was not an ordinary creature.
Hu Tao shook her head and said, "Oh dear, aren't you all supposed to be knowledgeable? How can you not recognize what Huan Huan is?"
The other attendants sighed, "Parlor Head, Huan Huan just hatched. Its features haven't fully developed yet; we truly lack the insight."
"To know what Huan Huan is, we'll have to wait for Mr. Zhongli."
Given that Lin Yuan had just hatched and looked so cute without any distinct features, the staff couldn't make any conclusions. Among the attendants at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, only Zhongli was truly encyclopedic in knowledge.
Even when they mentioned Zhongli, there was a hint of respect in their tone.
Hu Tao crossed her arms and asked, "Where is Zhongli? Why hasn't he returned yet?"
One of the attendants replied, "Mr. Zhongli is probably off drinking tea."
"Off drinking tea again? Go fetch him for me," Hu Tao ordered, displeased.
The attendant promptly went to find Zhongli.
Another attendant suggested, "Parlor Head, should we report this to the Liyue Qixing?"
Since an unknown species had hatched at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it was wise to inform the Qixing, especially since they would eventually bring Lin Yuan outside. When the Liyue Qixing heard about it, they would likely come to investigate.
Hu Tao recalled that when she encountered Keqing earlier, Keqing had told her to register the egg after it hatched.
After thinking for a moment, Hu Tao said, "Let's report it as a lizard."
Though they couldn't identify Lin Yuan's species yet, Hu Tao chose the closest classification for the report.
Lin Yuan felt speechless.
You're the lizard; your whole family is lizards!
After all this discussion, was he really going to be classified as a lizard?
If he could voice his thoughts instead of just making silly sounds, he would definitely protest.
Meanwhile, at a teahouse in Liyue Harbor, Zhongli, dressed in the robes of a guest, was leisurely sipping tea. Before him, the storyteller Tian Tiezui stood by a screen, dramatically unfolding a fan.
"The Geo Archon left behind many legends. It's said he hasn't truly departed. Under the arrangement of fate, a true dragon has been born into this world..."
This was Tian Tiezui's latest tale, and it captivated the audience.
Liyue had been under the protection of the Geo Archon for 3,700 years. Now that the archon's protection had faded, the people felt a bit lost, seeking solace in stories about a new ruler who would come to restore Liyue's former glory.
Zhongli simply enjoyed his tea, understanding the sentiments of the Liyue people. However, he had no desire to return to the throne they revered him for, choosing instead to savor his retirement.
As for the true dragon mentioned in the story, if such a being were to appear, he would welcome it.
Yet, that was impossible; no true dragon, one who could be called the ancestor of all gods, existed in this world anymore. Only beings with traces of true dragon blood remained.
Zhongli poured himself another cup of fragrant tea. Just as he lifted it to sip, he suddenly sensed something. His golden pupils widened, and the cup slipped from his grasp.
In the next moment, he quickly caught the falling teacup and turned his gaze toward the direction of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Though others couldn't see it, Zhongli could perceive a burst of golden light emanating from the parlor.
This golden light evoked an indescribable feeling within him.
It dissipated quickly, but a new and unfamiliar aura lingered around Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli's expression grew serious as he focused on that aura—what could it be...?
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A/N:
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