The sound of slaps echoed continuously through the cave as Qiu Bai smacked the Primordial Geovishap.
After a while, the noise finally faded.
Inside the cave, the Primordial Geovishap's massive body was trembling, its huge eyes welling up with tears.
"Behaving now?"
"Still throwing tantrums?"
Qiu Bai stood atop its swollen face, smiling as he asked.
The Primordial Geovishap quickly shook its massive head.
"Good, behave yourself.
Or next time I visit, it won't just be a few slaps."
Qiu Bai nodded, smiling at the now strangely obedient Geovishap.
He jumped down, dusted off his hands, and said,
"All done."
"Time to report to Ningguang."
With a slight smile, he summoned a Yin-Yang Jade and pressed it to his ear like a phone.
...
Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor, Ningguang was reviewing the city's per capita income data when the Yin-Yang Jade on her desk began to ring.
She immediately put down her papers and picked it up.
"Hello, Ningguang."
"The situation's handled. I've also lightly altered the memories of those Millelith."
Qiu Bai's voice came through the Jade.
"Understood.
Thank you, Immortal Lord."
Hearing that the problem was resolved, Ningguang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"It was caused by a huge Primordial Geovishap.
But don't worry, I convinced that lizard with my eloquence. There won't be any more earthquakes."
Qiu Bai's voice sounded relaxed.
"A Primordial Geovishap?"
"I didn't expect there to still be one that massive within Liyue's borders..."
Ningguang murmured thoughtfully, stroking her chin.
"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up.
If anything comes up that you can't handle, you can call me."
Qiu Bai's tone was casual.
"Then I'll rely on you again next time, Immortal Lord.
Ningguang is truly grateful."
After she spoke, the connection cut off.
"Hah... I wonder where the Immortal Lord is right now.
If only he could serve among the Liyue Qixing—things would be so much easier."
Ningguang sighed as she looked at the pile of paperwork.
Still, since this was the era of humanity, she resolved to handle things herself as much as possible, trying not to trouble the Immortal Lord unnecessarily.
...
Back at Tianqiu Valley, inside the massive cave,
Qiu Bai turned and gave a slight nod to the Primordial Geovishap, who now looked more like a guilty husky.
He then stepped out of the cave, spotting several Millelith soldiers collapsed on the ground.
With a wave of his hand, streaks of white divine light flowed into their bodies, and with another gesture, he lightly erased their memories.
Humming a tune, Qiu Bai strolled away.
"Strange, how did we end up here?"
"Could we have passed out from exhaustion?"
One Millelith soldier clutched his head and slowly got up, looking around in confusion.
"Let's just report back to the commander.
We've been investigating for two days without finding anything."
Another sighed and motioned for the others to head back toward Liyue Harbor.
Meanwhile, Qiu Bai, still humming, teleported away in a flash.
...
He reappeared in a quiet corner of Liyue Harbor and made his way toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Heh, might as well check in with them too.
Judging by the timing, it's about time to head to Inazuma."
Smiling slightly, Qiu Bai pushed open the door to the parlor.
"I'm back."
He called as he entered.
"Haha, welcome back, old friend.
It's been a while."
Zhongli, sitting and sipping tea, greeted him with a calm smile.
"Brother, Qiu Yue missed you!"
Qiu Yue rushed over and threw herself into Qiu Bai's arms.
He laughed and gently patted her head.
"Well, if it isn't our honorary guest, Qiu Bai.
What's this? Finally willing to come back?"
Hu Tao looked at him with a helpless smile.
"Haha, I took a little trip to Mondstadt.
That's why it took me so long to return."
Qiu Bai chuckled as he explained to Zhongli and Hu Tao.
"The Land of the Wind, huh?
You met that bard, didn't you?
I can smell the alcohol on you from here."
Zhongli smiled as he sipped his tea.
"I met him alright.
He's exactly the same as ever—still a complete drunk."
Qiu Bai laughed and waved it off.
"By the way, Master Hu, I'm planning to head to Inazuma next.
So I might be gone for a while."
He nodded toward Hu Tao.
"Inazuma?
Didn't they close their borders? How are you planning to get in?"
Hu Tao leaned on the table, looking at him curiously.
"I have my ways.
Besides, the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild asked me to deliver something there."
Qiu Bai explained with a smile.
"That's fantastic!"
"Qiu Bai, Qiu Bai, you have to help me promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services while you're there!"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up and she rushed over, her plum blossom eyes shining brightly.
"Ahem... Sure, Master Hu."
Qiu Bai's mouth twitched slightly, and he gave a small cough.
"So when are you planning to leave?"
Hu Tao asked eagerly, almost wishing he could leave right now.
"In the next couple of days, I think.
Still need to figure out some details first."
Qiu Bai smiled and waved it off lightly.
"Brother, was Mondstadt fun?"
"Qiu Yue wants to go too!"
Qiu Yue looked up at him from his arms, her big eyes blinking adorably.
"Hehe, if you're interested,
we can ask Zhongli to take you there for a tour."
Qiu Bai smiled and turned to Zhongli.
"Indeed."
Zhongli nodded right away.
"Then it's a promise!
Mr. Zhongli, you have to take me to Mondstadt in a few days!"
"No backing out!"
Qiu Yue said, her beautiful eyes locked onto Zhongli with a bright smile.
"Haha, of course.
Besides, it's been a long time since I last saw that bard myself."
Zhongli chuckled and nodded.
"Fine, fine."
"Good thing I have those five helpers now, so I'll give you a few days off."
"But listen—when you go, take me with you!"
Hu Tao beamed, her eyes wide with excitement.
With Qiu Bai promoting business in Inazuma and herself promoting in Mondstadt, it was the perfect win-win.
"Hehe, if the Hall Master wants to come,
then let's all go together."
Zhongli agreed with a smile, seeing her enthusiasm.
"It's getting late. Let's all get some rest."
Qiu Bai said warmly, looking at everyone.
Outside, the moon was already high in the sky, and the lights of Liyue Harbor twinkled one by one.