Bab 77: Chapter 76: It's Truly Lame

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******

Qiqi moved behind Baizhu, casting fearful glances at Hu Tao. She...she vowed never again to drink coconut milk of unknown origin! How she detested Hu Tao now!

"Director Hu Tao, I'll take Qiqi back now!" Baizhu smiled slightly and led Qiqi away.

"Sigh, I was too late once more. If only earlier, I could have helped Qiqi escape the confinement of this transient world!" Hu Tao sighed, murmuring self-blamingly.

"Cough, cough, well then, regarding this funeral money, our Director has finished examining it. It's quite impressive. How do you propose we collaborate?" Hu Tao cleared her throat and looked at Lin Feng, asking thoughtfully.

"For the funeral money, Director, your expertise is unquestionable; I wouldn't dare interfere. However, what are your thoughts on the item you've been using?" Lin Feng gazed at Hu Tao with a slight smile, seeking her opinion.

"Oh, indeed, this device is remarkable, perfect for recording and reading books!" Hu Tao glanced at the smartphone, nodding appreciatively.

"Not just that, there are many features here. Allow me to explain them all to you, Director!" Lin Feng shook his head and began detailing the various functions of the phone.

Hu Tao, being no ordinary individual - having memorized books upside down at age three - effortlessly grasped the multitude of smartphone capabilities.

Hu Tao nodded, revealing a sly smile as she remarked lightly, "Indeed, it's quite impressive. However, many features seem rather impractical..."

With a chuckle, she began critiquing the device, making some valid points.

Lin Feng found himself swayed by her observations, almost doubting his own judgment. If not for the System's reminder, he might have fallen for Hu Tao's clever ploy.

"Director, you can't focus solely on its flaws without considering its merits! My intention is to consign these phones at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." Lin Feng wasted no time and directly stated his purpose.

Hu Tao hesitated momentarily before shaking her head, "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor maintains a solemn atmosphere; we cannot sell such items here!"

Unfazed, Lin Feng smiled at Hu Tao and proposed, "For every phone Director sells, I'll pay you one thousand Mora. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Tao's eyes widened slightly, and she grinned. "Well, if it's just selling phones, leave it to me, Hu Tao. With our century-old reputable establishment, we have a vast clientele..."

Smiling, Lin Feng briefly explained the usage of the phones and then sold a hundred units wholesale to Hu Tao. Naturally, Hu Tao didn't pay upfront, intending to settle the debt only after sales...

***

Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon managed to squeeze their way to the front of the crowd gathered for the immortal-invoking ceremony.

"Traveler, it's so lively here with all these people!" Paimon excitedly looked around, her demeanor resembling that of someone who had never experienced such an event before - like a Specter from the countryside visiting the city.

Lumine nodded, scanning the area to see where the Geo Archon might emerge. However, there wasn't even a red carpet laid out; quite lacking in pomp and circumstance!

"Traveler, give it a try! I heard this wishing ritual is incredibly effective; Adepti will appear to fulfill your desires! Wonder what they look like? Maybe they're dozens of meters tall..." Paimon grinned, speculating eagerly as she gazed at Lumine.

Nodding, Lumine closed her eyes and silently made a wish.

"What did you wish for, Traveler?" Paimon asked, full of anticipation, watching Lumine closely.

"If you reveal a wish, it won't come true!" Lumine replied gently, smiling warmly at Paimon.

"Then I'm going to make a wish too!" Paimon closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again, beaming at Lumine.

"Paimon, let me guess your wish. Did you wish for endless supplies of Sticky Honey Roast?" Lumine teased, looking at Paimon with amusement.

"Nope! My wish is for the Traveler to find her brother soon and for Paimon to always be happy with you, hehe!" Paimon scratched her head, looking slightly embarrassed.

Lumine was touched; after keeping this Emergency Food around for so long, she couldn't bear to eat her anymore.

At that moment, an elegantly dressed woman, exuding grace and opulence, stepped forward. Her presence commanded authority like a mature, confident figure.

Her long white-gold hair was pinned up with a black-and-gold ornament, cascading down her back in twin braids reaching to her calves. Crimson tassels draped over her forehead, matching her eye color perfectly.

This individual was Ningguang, one of Liyue's Seven Stars known as the Tianquan Star, and also the wealthiest businesswoman in Liyue.

Director Hu Tao's assessment truly captured her essence: "Tianquan Ningguang, wealthiest far and wide, eyes bright and captivating, surpassing even peaches and apricots in allure, astute and discerning, managing all with utmost competence."

"Traveler, is she the Geo Archon? She looks incredibly imposing!" Paimon stared at Ningguang, turning to Lumine for clarification.

Overhearing Paimon's comment, a local nearby chuckled and explained:

"Ha ha, you must be from out of town then. She's one of Liyue's Seven Stars, the Tianquan Star. Although most of Liyue operates under her jurisdiction, she isn't the Geo Archon!"

Paimon chuckled awkwardly and, feeling slightly embarrassed, turned to Lumine. "That makes sense; 'Stonefather' implies it has to be male, right? Traveler!"

Lumine placed her hands on her hips, looking at Paimon with unwavering confidence, as if ready to proclaim herself the 'father' next...

Soon, Ningguang began presiding over the immortal-invoking ceremony, and the surrounding crowd observed with deep reverence.

At this moment, Paimon took out her phone—such occasions were perfect for capturing photos! She hadn't forgotten that back in Mondstadt, she had a massive fan base waiting eagerly. During her time in Liyue, Ji Taimei's fans even dared to invade her online territory. In response, she swiftly released a new compilation video, rallying her supporters to reclaim their turf and overwhelm Ji Taimei's comment sections!

Hmph, don't think I'm an easy target, Paimon-style.

Quickly, the cauldron at the scene emitted a powerful golden beam shooting towards the sky, creating what appeared to be a vortex overhead. Soon after, a transparent whirlwind began forming around the beam's glow.

However, the vortex gradually turned dark, eventually enveloping the sky with its shadow. A massive dragon descended from the swirling darkness, narrowly missing Ningguang.

Witnessing this awe-inspiring sight, Paimon couldn't resist capturing it on her phone, clicking away to share these images with her fans and friends back home. Unfortunately, she seemed to have forgotten to turn off the flash; the blinding light instantly drew everyone's attention towards them.

The crowd buzzed with chatter, noting that previous Rites of Descension had never looked quite like this.

Paimon grinned at Lumine, teasing the ongoing ceremony.

"Traveler, what kind of entrance is this for Rex Lapis? Look, he can barely move after the fall—so lame! Heh-heh-heh..."

Ningguang ignored Paimon's flash momentarily and instead crouched near the dragon's head, examining it closely. Soon, she stood up, waved her hand, and shouted, "Rex Lapis has been assassinated! Secure the area immediately!"

In no time, two contingents of Millelith soldiers streamed onto the scene, encircling all the spectators.

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Bab 78: Chapter 77: The Emperor's Assassination Attempt

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm translating. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Quickly, people pointed their fingers at Paimon flying overhead and shouted:

"I saw it just now, she attacked the Stonefather with a beam of light!"

"Me too, that strange flying creature did it!"

Instantly, the Millelith turned towards Paimon, tightening their grip on their halberds as they aimed them directly at her.

"It wasn't me, this is just a camera!" Hearing the accusations and feeling intimidated by the aggressive stance of the Millelith, Paimon waved her hands frantically, starting to panic.

"Capture her!" A Millelith captain barked the order, and a squad swiftly surrounded Paimon.

"Traveler, let's run!" Paimon hastily flew next to Lumine, grabbing her shoulder strap in an attempt to flee together.

Lumine was taken aback; Seriously, Paimon? You can just fly away - who could catch you?! And now you're trying to involve me, hoping I'll take the blame, huh?

"She has accomplices, seize them all! Don't let them escape!" The Millelith squad leader promptly yelled out orders.

Upon hearing this, Lumine immediately drew her Dull Blade and sprinted towards a nearby alleyway devoid of Millelith soldiers. Paimon followed closely behind, seemingly guiding Lumine from above.

***

"Pant... pant... Finally escaped, almost exhausted me!" Paimon let out a sigh of relief, instantly relaxing.

Lumine placed her hands on her hips and looked at Paimon, slightly irritated. "You were flying the whole time; how could you be tired?!"

Her expression conveyed her discontentment; she wouldn't have needed to run at all if not for this situation, nearly getting caught in the process!

"Hehe, even my phantom limbs get tired!" Paimon quickly responded with a grin.

"Alright, what do we do now?" Lumine glanced at Paimon, realizing they were likely wanted throughout the city by now!

"Grrumble..." Paimon's stomach protested with hunger, causing her to look awkwardly at Lumine and suggest sheepishly:

"Traveler, why don't we grab something to eat first? Running so much is exhausting! Plus, we'll need energy to come up with a plan, hehe..."

"You're still thinking about food?" Lumine stared at Paimon, astonished, then pointed wordlessly towards a nearby trash bin, suggesting:

"Why don't you check there? Maybe someone left some leftovers. Going out to eat now would surely get us caught."

"Traveler!" Paimon crossed her arms, feigning anger as she voiced her dissatisfaction loudly.

"Hurry up, someone's coming!" A voice shouted, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.

"Oh no, Paimon!" Lumine glared at her companion and began searching for an escape route.

Suddenly, a hand reached out, pulling Lumine into a nearby corner.

"Traveler!" Paimon quickly followed, looking quite anxious.

"Shh, keep quiet!" Childe raised a finger with a smile, addressing them both softly.

After the Millelith had passed, Lumine immediately questioned him curiously, "Who are you? Why did you save us?"

"Haha, I am Childe, the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. You can also call me Tartaglia!" He introduced himself with a slight grin.

"Hey, who do you think you are? Demanding to be called 'Childe' right off the bat. We're not your servants!" Paimon placed her hands on her hips, glaring at Childe with dissatisfaction.

"You've misunderstood; 'Childe' is simply my alias, not a claim of superiority!" Childe chuckled, explaining with a wry smile.

"Wait, aren't you one of those despicable Fatui members who threatened Captain Jean? Are you part of La Signora's group too? Did you steal the Tone-Deaf Bard's Gnosis?"

Suddenly recalling something, Paimon glared at Childe with fury before flying behind Lumine.

Lumine also drew her Dull Blade, eyeing Childe warily.

Childe chuckled awkwardly and shook his head. "You must have met my unreliable colleague earlier; I'm not like her!"

"Alright, spill it—what do you want?" Lumine scrutinized Childe closely as she asked.

"I did save you both, after all! And right now, I genuinely wish to help you escape this predicament!" Childe looked innocently at them, emphasizing his intentions.

"Hmph, unsolicited kindness always hides ulterior motives!" Paimon eyed Childe skeptically, unconvinced.

"Assisting you benefits me too—it's a win-win situation!" Childe smiled reassuringly while addressing their doubts.

Lumine's expression remained skeptical, leaving Childe feeling quite helpless.

"I assume you have a purpose for coming to Liyue. With a bounty on your heads, accomplishing anything might be impossible. Take this token, seek out the Adepti who protect Liyue, and perhaps there's still a chance!" As he spoke, Childe produced a yellow talisman and handed it to Lumine, explaining, "This will aid you in meeting the Adepti, and they may provide information about your brother's whereabouts!"

News of a blonde-haired Traveler seeking information about her brother had already spread throughout the Fatui.

Lumine hesitated briefly before accepting the talisman and looked at Childe sternly, saying, "You better not deceive me!"

"Rest assured, although the Fatui's methods may be unconventional, we honor our commitments in this land of contracts!" Childe explained with a smile.

"Hmph, who knows if you were the one behind Stonefather's assassination!" Paimon huffed indignantly; that assassin was truly thoughtless, leaving her without food!

"Gurgle..." Paimon's stomach let out a loud rumble, causing her to scratch her head sheepishly.

Childe smiled gently and offered, "You two must be hungry. Allow me to treat you to a meal!"

At the mention of food, Paimon's eyes instantly brightened. Her hostility towards Childe diminished rapidly, while her fondness for him soared!

However, Lumine, unlike Paimon's simple-mindedness, questioned Childe, "With us being wanted fugitives now, where could we possibly go for a meal?"

"Ha ha, don't worry about that. The Fatui can certainly handle such minor issues!" Childe reassured them warmly, leading the duo to Yanshang Teahouse.

***

After finishing their meal, Paimon's face was smudged with grease; she had never indulged in such delicious food before.

Saying goodbye to Childe, Lumine and Paimon embarked on their journey to Jueyun Karst in search of immortals.

***

However, Lin Feng faced some challenges. With Rex Lapis's assassination, as a newcomer to the city, he became subject to multiple investigations by the Millelith.

Fortunately, the Feiyun Commerce Guild held considerable influence, preventing Lin Feng from being detained. Nonetheless, he decided it was best to lay low for a while.

Taking advantage of this time, he set out to establish signal base stations across Liyue territory. This would enable him to call Eula, expand his mobile phone market, and...

Lin Feng left Liyue, heading first to Guili Plains where he found a suitable spot to begin constructing a base station.

During this process, Hilichurls appeared, but Lin Feng was well-prepared. He swiftly dispatched them with a few Sunsettias!

Coincidentally, Lumine approached stealthily, recognizing the familiar location immediately and hurried over to greet him.

"Hey... Hey, is that you, Lin Feng?" Paimon joyfully flew up, grinning at Lin Feng.

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