Topaz perked up.
"Oh yeah, we do! Why, Ye Yun—are you thinking of buying one?"
Ye Yun shook his head with a smile and pointed at Zhongli beside him.
"Not me—he is. What's the lowest price?"
Topaz replied:
"Hold on, let me check the internal network for you."
One minute later, Topaz walked over with her laptop.
"The cheapest option is a life-supporting planet named Amos III.
Amos III has a land area of 80 million square kilometers, with oceans covering 170,000 square kilometers.
Its geography and terrain are well-formed, the climate is pleasant, and the soil is fertile. The only downside is a lack of mineral resources.
Mr. Zhongli, if you want to buy it, I can give you an internal price—50 billion credits.
That's the lowest price. You can see for yourself—the internal network lists it at 60 billion, and it's 70 billion on the public market."
Zhongli stared at that long string of zeros and immediately gave up on the idea.
"Uh… I don't have enough funds."
Topaz chuckled.
"No worries, I have another payment method.
With just 300,000 star credits, you can buy Amos III. Tempting, right?"
Zhongli was tempted, but his wallet wasn't.
"Uh… I'll think about it."
Topaz nodded cheerfully.
"Sure! Take your time. If you decide to buy it later, just let me know—I'm always nearby."
Ye Yun looked at Zhongli and smiled.
"So? Which option do you want to go with? It's a lot more convenient to buy directly through Topaz—just pack your bags and move in. You could even ask her to throw in extras, like building a house or something. She'll definitely say yes."
Zhongli pondered for a moment.
"I'll go talk to Unkown God about it first."
Ye Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Alright then. Up for a game?" Ye Yun pulled out a chessboard from under the table.
Zhongli's lips curved up slightly—this amateur was asking for another beating.
"Let's play."
Zhongli wasn't in a hurry to leave anyway—Unknown God was probably still in the internet café gaming.
The three of them started a game of chess.
At the Seat of Divine Foresight.
Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan had just returned when a Cloud Knight rushed in with a report.
"Report! General! Someone has broken into the Shackling Prison!"
Jing Yuan immediately headed there—after all, the prison held many dangerous criminals.
"Fu Xuan, you stay at the Seat of Divine Foresight to oversee things. I'll go to the Shackling Prison."
Fu Xuan nodded. This was their usual arrangement:
One held down the fort and managed the overall situation, while the other led the action on the ground.
Considering the gravity of the situation, Jing Yuan was the better choice to investigate.
Half an hour later, at the Shackling Prison.
Jing Yuan stood with his hands behind his back.
"Those who step into this place are either jailers or inmates. Which are you?"
Before him, a blonde man slowly stepped forward.
"Neither. I'm merely a traveler who's lost his way."
The man was none other than Luocha.
Jing Yuan looked down at Luocha from above.
"What an elaborate diversion—the Stellaron, the Arbor, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, and the Lord Ravagers…You almost succeeded in drawing everyone's attention away.
I almost forgot the seemingly unimportant question—who brought the Stellaron into the Xianzhou?
Wasn't it you, the spawn of the Abundance?"
Luocha smiled calmly.
"My power indeed comes from Abundance—but like you, I am also an enemy of the Abundance."
With those words, Luocha turned his back to Jing Yuan and spread his arms.The lone ceiling light shone down on him, casting a brilliant glow.
As his words fell, snowflakes began to drift down, and a woman's voice rang out.
"That's right, Jing Yuan. Don't get in our way—this time, we'll strike the Abundance down once and for all!"
Jing Yuan looked at the newcomer, his pupils trembling.
"You?! How can it be you?!"
He ordered the surrounding Cloud Knights to withdraw.
"What are you here for this time?"
Jingliu answered.
"I already said—we're here to bring down that exalted Abundance."
Jing Yuan asked:
"What's your plan?"
The two then revealed their intentions.
After hearing them out, Jing Yuan was stunned—it was an insane plan. A massive game of chess, played on the level of gods.
"Give me some time to consider this."
Luocha nodded slightly.
"This is a serious matter. Take your time, General—we still have plenty."
Jing Yuan nodded.
Then he turned to Jingliu.
"Your Mara-struck state…"
Luocha interjected.
"Just a little trick of mine."
Jing Yuan glanced at Luocha. This guy was very suspicious—better not trust him yet.
Then, Jing Yuan suddenly remembered—he had just received a Qingling Pill. Why not let Jingliu test it?
He took one out and handed it to her.
"Master Jingliu, this is a new pill we developed on the Xianzhou to suppress the effects of Mara. Would you like to try it?"
Jingliu took the pill, examining it curiously.
She could feel a slight coolness on its surface, and then swallowed it.
Jing Yuan felt a bit worried—would it really work?
If Zhongli were here, he would have reassured him.
After all, Zhongli had already tried a finished version before.
As soon as the Qingling Pill entered her body, it took effect.
Jingliu felt her mind clear significantly.
"This pill is very effective."
Hearing this, Jing Yuan was relieved.
"That's good. You can only take one—any more, and it won't work.
It was just recently refined by the Dragon Lady."
Upon hearing "Dragon Lady," an image surfaced in Jingliu's mind.
"Jing Yuan, where is this Dragon Lady? May I meet her?"
Jing Yuan agreed.
Jingliu would never harm Bailu—let's not get into the reasons.
"She's on the Astral Express. Her name is Bailu. You can find her there—it's docked at Starskiff Haven."
Jingliu nodded and took her leave to head to the Express.
Meanwhile, Luocha received a pair of silver bracelets and a welcome gift pack from the Shackling Prison.
Jingliu boarded a skiff to Starskiff Haven, and soon spotted the Astral Express.
It stood out clearly from the nearby star skiffs and battleships—easily recognizable.
As she approached and was about to knock on the door, it suddenly slid open—
Four little ones excitedly burst out.
"Da-da-da~ La-la-la~ Klee is going to test her new boom-boom bomb~" Klee hugged her newly crafted bomb, bouncing out of the train, running off with glee.
Behind her, Hook, Diona, and Bailu followed closely, curious to see what would happen.
Rios trailed behind them, silently keeping them safe.
Jingliu instantly recognized Bailu, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Rios glanced at Jingliu. She didn't emit any hostility—Instead, she seemed to show a kind of nostalgic affection toward Bailu.
Spirit are extremely sensitive to emotions, and Rios immediately picked up on Jingliu's feelings.
"Who are you to Bailu?"
***
Jingliu looked at Rios.
"And you are?"
Rios replied,"I'm Rios. Do you know Bailu? I saw the way you looked at her—something seemed off."
Jingliu smiled slightly and nodded."Yes, I know her."
At that moment, Rios glanced at the four little ones who had run off.
"Let's catch up to them. Wouldn't want those little ones getting hurt. I usually take care of protecting them."
Hearing this, Jingliu followed Rios as they chased after the four.
Following the kids, Jingliu and Rios arrived at a reservoir.
This was an official Luofu reservoir, with a large number of fish being farmed inside.
The four little ones had found this place and made it their go-to spot for "blast-fishing."
Jingliu and Rios stood atop a high shipping container.
Jingliu looked over at Rios.
"You usually protect them?"
Rios nodded."Yeah, those little ones are really adorable. They bring everyone a lot of joy. I like them a lot."
Jingliu smiled faintly."Thank you."
Rios shook his head."No need for thanks. By the way, we didn't finish our earlier conversation. You really know Bailu?"
Jingliu nodded again."Yes."
Rios asked,"Want me to call her over?"
Jingliu thought for a moment."No rush. Let them finish playing first."
And so, the two chatted while keeping watch over the four little ones.
Klee held up her newly developed Jumpty Dumpty bomb.
"Heave-ho~" Klee shouted as she threw it with all her might. The bomb dropped into the reservoir, and a second later—
BOOM!!!!
A mushroom cloud roared up, splashing water everywhere and sending all kinds of fish flying into the air.
Seeing the successful explosion, the four little ones jumped for joy by the reservoir.
"Yay! Klee did it!"
"Awesome!"
Liyue Harbor – Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Hu Tao, Unknown God, and Xiangling were eating a meal.
Xiangling had brought over food made by Ye Yun earlier. She had made a big batch and brought some back to share with Hu Tao.
Unknown God took a bite of the smashed cucumber."Mmm~ This is delicious! So refreshing!"
Xiangling was thrilled to hear the praise for her cooking."Eat as much as you like!"
Hu Tao scooped up some rice with a chunk of braised beef and carrot."Hey Hey, what kind of job are you interested in?"
Unknown God thought for a moment. "I want something with good pay, little work, and close to home. Got anything like that?"
Hu Tao and Xiangling were speechless.
Who doesn't want a job like that?
Hu Tao looked at Unknown God. "Do you know anything about funeral rites? How about working for me?"
Unknown God considered it, then shook her head. "Nope. But I can dig holes!"
Hu Tao blinked. "What do you mean?"
Unknown God pointed to an empty patch of ground near the entrance and waved her hand. In an instant, a perfectly dug grave appeared—1 meter wide, 2 meters long, and 1.5 meters deep.
"Just like that. How's that?"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up! This was talent! She knew how tiring it was to dig those herself!
Hu Tao grabbed Unknown God's hand. "From today on, you're an honored guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
Unknown God gave a thumbs up. "Deal."
Hu Tao pondered for a moment. "Let me think about your compensation..."
After a moment, she said, "Okay, I'll pay you per job. One grave, one payment. How about a base salary of 100,000 Mora, plus performance pay? That's about the average salary in Liyue."
Unknown God considered it. "Can you give me internet time instead of a base salary? Deal?"
She grinned mischievously.
She had become completely hooked on Audition Online. She had won one match this morning alone. The thrill of that victory was addictive.
Hu Tao agreed without hesitation. No big deal anyway.
After finishing the meal, Xiangling returned to Wanmin Restaurant to help out, while Hu Tao and Unknown God headed to the internet café.
Not long after they started playing, Childe and La Signora walked into the café.
Hu Tao's eyes widened. Oh? You dare show your face again!?
She slammed the desk and summoned her Staff of Homa, pointing it straight at La Signora.
"You've got guts coming back here! Get out! You're not welcome here!"
Childe quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Please, Master Hu, don't be mad. We're here to apologize."
Childe and Signora had made no progress in Liyue, and now the Cryo Archon had instructed them to go directly to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to find someone named Zhongli.
So here they were, coming to apologize.
Childe clapped his hands, and several Fatui agents brought in a large chest of Mora.
Seeing this, Hu Tao finally put away her staff.
If they were here to apologize, then fine.
Hu Tao eyed the chest of Mora with a little smirk and muttered under her breath as she looked at La Signora. "I'll accept your apology, but I can't accept this money. After all, Silver Wolf already taught you a lesson before."
Hearing this, La Signora fumed. She was about to lash out when—
Unknown God, still inside the VIP room, glanced over with glowing red eyes.
Hu Tao turned to Childe. "Anyway, you used to love coming to this place to play that Meteor… whatever game. You were the loudest in the café."
"I'll use this Mora to recharge your internet account. How's that?"
Childe smiled. "I'll leave it all up to you, Master Hu."
Hu Tao nodded and turned to the receptionist. "Hey, help this customer recharge his account."
The receptionist nodded.
Once the money was loaded, Childe walked over to his usual spot and booted up the computer.
La Signora came over. "You're not going back?"
Childe nodded without hesitation. "Why would I? Want to play for a bit too? I saw that Mr. Zhongli has shown up here before."
As soon as he mentioned Zhongli, La Signora agreed and paid to start a session.
She sat beside Childe.
"How do you play this?"
With Childe's help, she started playing Audition Online.
Just like Unknown God before her, she quickly got hooked.
After the tutorial, she randomly entered a room—
As luck would have it, she landed in a room created by Unknown God, and it was just the two of them.
Unknown God checked her profile—oh ho! A brand-new rookie!Hehe, another easy win.
Unknown God had discovered a way to rack up wins and get that sweet rush: create a two-person room, pick a song she knows by heart, and check the newbie's stats before starting.
Time to enjoy another "blast-fishing" round.