At the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Why don't we notify the Millelith?"
"They can drive all those Fatui away."
Hu Tao looked at everyone with concern.
After thinking it over, calling in the Millelith seemed like the better option.
"I'm afraid the Millelith can't handle this right now."
"After the battle with the Archon and the incident at Tiangong Gate, the Ministry of Civil Affairs probably can't spare any personnel."
Qiu Bai explained, looking at Hu Tao.
"Tomorrow, we'll accompany you there."
"It's a good opportunity to see what these Fatui are up to."
Zhongli spoke steadily, looking at Hu Tao beside him.
"Then it's decided."
"Tomorrow, Qiu Bai, Zhongli, and Qiu Yue we'll all accompany Director Hu to check things out."
Azhdaha smiled, looking at everyone.
Qiu Bai nodded with a smile in response.
"Ah, very well."
"But if we can't win, you all better run fast!"
Hu Tao felt warmth in her heart seeing her subordinates standing up for her and smiled as she spoke.
"Let's rest early."
"It's getting late."
Zhongli checked the time and gently reminded everyone.
"Brother, and everyone, good night!"
Qiu Yue smiled and nodded to everyone.
"After a busy day."
"Finally, I can rest."
Qiu Bai stretched lazily and walked toward the loft. Opening the door, he lay on the bed and slowly closed his eyes.
In his dream, Qiu Bai held a sword, looking at four shadowy figures in the gray sky. Qiu Bai, sword in hand, charged toward the four figures!
One of the figures extended a hand. Countless dark red cubes filled the gray world, Shooting toward Qiu Bai's position!
In the dream, Qiu Bai smirked disdainfully and charged directly into the cubes.
"Bang!!!"
Qiu Bai clutched his forehead, sat up hunched over and frowned at the sunlight coming through the window.
"This dream is..." Qiu Bai murmured in confusion.
"Old friend, time to get up."
"We should depart now."
Zhongli stood outside the door, reminding him.
"Coming!"
Qiu Bai called out to the door, gathered his thoughts, and walked outside.
"Looking at you."
"You seem a bit uncomfortable?"
Zhongli noticed Qiu Bai's unusual state and asked with concern.
"Haha, it's nothing."
"I haven't slept properly for so many years, perhaps I'm not used to it yet."
Qiu Bai smiled and explained, seeing Zhongli worried gaze. Then the two walked downstairs.
Qiu Yue, Azhdaha, and Hu Tao had been waiting downstairs for some time.
"Everyone's here now, let's set off."
Azhdaha smiled as he saw Zhongli and Qiu Bai coming down from the loft.
Qiu Bai nodded with a smile and the group left the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
The streets of Liyue Harbor were bustling with activity. Birdsong and the morning calls of merchants reached their ears.
"This place has changed so much."
Azhdaha looked around and remarked with some emotion.
"Changed a lot?"
"Weren't you only away for two years?"
Hu Tao looked at Azhdaha with confusion.
Zhongli had told her yesterday that this was an old friend of his who hadn't returned to Liyue Harbor for two years.
But Liyue Harbor from two years ago hadn't changed this dramatically, had it?
"I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic, that's all."
Azhdaha turned his head and smiled at Hu Tao in explanation.
"Let's go to the outskirts of Liyue Harbor."
"I can take you directly to Wuwang Hill."
Qiu Bai turned his head and spoke to everyone.
"Yes, I've witnessed your little technique before."
"But we still need to be careful, those Fatui are truly formidable."
Hu Tao looked at Qiu Bai with some worry.
"Don't worry."
"By common reasoning, none of us will be in danger."
Zhongli crossed his arms over his chest and explained to Hu Tao. Hu Tao sighed helplessly and the group then left Liyue Harbor.
"Hold onto me."
Qiu Bai sensed the surroundings and, making sure no one was around, spoke slowly.
Everyone grabbed the hem of Qiu Bai clothes and in an instant, they all vanished from the spot.
After a moment of disorientation, the group appeared at Wuwang Hill.
"My goodness."
"Qiu Bai, your little technique is really convenient."
Hu Tao looked around at Wuwang Hill in amazement. Although she had seen Qiu Bai so-called "little trick" before, she was still astonished.
"No need for the Director to be surprised."
"And where are those Fatui you mentioned?"
Qiu Bai smiled at Hu Tao.
"Follow me!"
Hu Tao nodded, holding her Staff of Homa and walked forward. The group followed behind Hu Tao.
The sky here was extremely dark, with purple flames floating in the air.
"Shh."
Finally, after walking to a patch of grass, Hu Tao turned around, placing a finger on her lips as a warning.
"We're here."
"Look, those are the Fatui stationed here."
Hu Tao pointed to a camp, speaking quietly.
Qiu Bai swept the area with his divine sense.
There were twenty-one Fatui in the camp, most of them armed.
There were Cryo Cicin Mages, Electrohammer Vanguards, Pyroslingers, Geochanter Bracer, Hydrogunner Legionnaires, and various other Fatui types in this camp.
"This godforsaken place."
"Who knows where that Harbinger wants us to find that place."
An Electrohammer Vanguard sitting by the campfire complained irritably.
"Who knows?"
"Yesterday a girl injured several of our comrades and got away."
A Pyroslinger sat by the campfire, speaking angrily.
"If I see that girl again."
"She'll regret it dearly!"
A Hydrogunner Legionnaire wiped his water gun, saying furiously. His clothes had been damaged by that girl.
"It seems the girl they're talking about."
"Is Director Hu herself."
Qiu Bai smiled, looking at Hu Tao.
"Hmph, this Director isn't a pushover."
"If there were fewer of them, I could have handled them all by myself."
Hu Tao glared at the Fatui, speaking angrily. Teyvat's number one Pyro DPS wasn't just for show.
"Who's there?!"
The Pyroslinger seemed to hear something rustling in the grass. He immediately fired a shot in that direction!
Something like a bullet made of Pyro element shot toward them.
Seeing this, Azhdaha reached out his hand to catch it and with a gentle squeeze, crushed the bullet.
"It is I, the Director!"
"You Fatui, I'm back!"
Hu Tao jumped out, holding the Staff of Homa, her brows furrowed.
Qiu Bai, who had been hiding in the grass, nodded to Zhongli, Azhdaha and Qiu Yue, and they all emerged.
"Oh, you brought people this time?"
"Just a few nobodies. The grudge for injuring our brothers last time."
"This time, we'll definitely settle the score!"
The Electrohammer Vanguard, hammer in hand, slowly stood up and looked disdainfully at the group behind Hu Tao.
"Why waste words with them?"
"Attack!"
The rest of the Fatui who heard the commotion from inside the tent all rushed out, charging toward Hu Tao's group!
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)