At Wuwang Hill, a group of Fatui members and the Damselette were engaged in friendly conversation with Hu Tao and the others.
"So, it's settled then."
the Maiden said, looking at Qiu Bai.
A small orb appeared in her hand, emitting a white light and floating above her palm. It resembled a small rice ball, round and plump, with a tiny tail at the end. It looked quite adorable.
"If Lord Qiu Bai, Lord Zhongli, and the others wish to visit."
She continued with a smile.
"you can simply tug on this little fairy tail."
"I understand."
Qiu Bai nodded with a smile.
"We'll definitely visit Snezhnaya when we have the chance."
"Then we'll take our leave now."
the Maiden bowed apologetically to Hu Tao.
"I deeply regret the trouble my subordinates have caused."
"Are you leaving already?"
Qiu Bai asked curiously.
"Weren't you looking for fragments?"
"N-no, not anymore."
The Maiden replied, her small face flushed as she addressed Qiu Bai.
"Now that I've met you, there's no need to continue searching for fragments."
How could she possibly tell him that she admired him greatly?
"Very well then."
Qiu Bai responded somewhat oddly, observing the blushing girl before him.
"Goodbye, Columbina."
"Hehe, goodbye Columbina!"
Hu Tao exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace the girl.
"Feel free to visit the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor whenever you'd like!"
"Yes, goodbye Sister Hu Tao." the Maiden replied with rosy cheeks.
Although she was much older than Hu Tao, this Director Hu before her deserved to be called "sister." After all, who else could recruit four divine beings as subordinates?
Moreover, she found this passionate girl quite intriguing.
The Maiden waved at everyone with slightly reddened cheeks.
"Farewell everyone, we look forward to meeting you again in Snezhnaya."
the Electrohammer added with a smile.
He then followed the Maiden as they departed from Wuwang Hill.
"Hehe, I never expected to find such polite members among the Tsaritsa's subordinates."
Zhongli remarked with crossed arms, watching the Fatui's retreating figures.
"Well, they are proper soldiers after all."
Qiu Bai replied, observing the Maiden's petite silhouette before turning to Zhongli with a smile.
"And they've been personally trained by the pure-hearted Damselette."
"I could feel it too."
Qiu Yue added with a smile.
"That girl named Columbina has a heart as pure as an angel's."
"Not bad at all."
Azhdaha said with his hands on his hips.
"My impression of Snezhnaya has improved now."
"The Cryo Archon wasn't like this five hundred years ago."
Zhongli sighed, his eyes half-closed.
"Now that everything's resolved, let's head back."
Qiu Bai turned around to face everyone,
"Yes, yes! We've met quite an extraordinary figure and a Fatui Harbinger at that!"
Hu Tao grinned, grabbing the edge of Qiu Bai clothes while giving him meaningful glances.
Qiu Bai mouth twitched as he observed Hu Tao behavior.
"Everyone, hold onto me."
he said with a smile.
"It's time to return."
Zhongli, Azhdaha, and Qiu Yue nodded and grasped the edges of Qiu Bai's clothes.
In an instant, they all vanished from the spot. When they reappeared, they were already at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Goodness gracious!"
The Ferrylady exclaimed, startled by their sudden appearance.
"Don't be frightened, Ferrylady!"
Hu Tao suddenly emerged from behind Qiu Bai.
"It's just us!"
"Oh, Director Hu."
The Ferrylady sighed, patting her chest and taking a deep breath.
"You gave me quite a scare."
"Well, after such a busy day."
Hu Tao stretched and yawned.
"This Director is going out for a nice meal."
"Old fossil, are you coming?"
She jumped up and patted Zhongli's shoulder with a mischievous grin.
"Don't worry, it's my treat this time."
"Hehe, of course I'll join."
Zhongli replied with a hint of indulgence as he looked at the adorable Hu Tao.
"What about you all?"
Hu Tao turned to face the other three.
"Qiu Bai, Azhdaha, Qiu Yue, would you like to come along?"
"You all go ahead, I'm not hungry."
Qiu Bai explained.
"I need to prepare for my trip to Inazuma later."
"In such a hurry? Well, we'll go first then."
Hu Tao said as she headed for the door, but suddenly turned back as if remembering something.
"Oh, and Qiu Bai, don't forget to promote our business!"
"Don't worry, Director Hu, I certainly will."
Qiu Bai smiled at the lively and adorable girl.
"Goodbye, brother!"
Qiu Yue also turned to Qiu Bai with a smile.
"Mr. Zhongli will be taking us to Mondstadt soon."
"Ah, human cuisine!"
Azhdaha stretched lazily and patted Qiu Bai's shoulder.
"I must go sample it properly. I'll be off now, Morax."
The Ferrylady also left with Hu Tao and the others, leaving Qiu Bai alone in the room.
"Hmm... calculating the days, Lumine should be visiting Beidou by now."
Qiu Bai smiled slightly.
With a faint smile, he vanished in an instant. When he reappeared, he was already aboard Beidou ship, the Alcor.
"Wow, this place is truly massive."
Qiu Bai remarked curiously as he observed the ship. It was far larger than in the game, almost resembling a cruise liner.
Seagulls flew in the sky above, and sunlight gleamed upon the azure sea, creating a scene of perfect tranquility.
"Let's find Lumine and hitch a ride on Beidou's ship."
he thought with a slight smile.
He began walking toward the upper deck.
The spot where he had appeared had been deserted; otherwise, his sudden materialization would have frightened anyone present.
As he walked onto the ship, he saw many Liyue sailors and tourists from other nations aboard.
Reaching the main deck, he spotted Lumine and Paimon heading in Beidou's direction.
Seeing this, he approached them as well.
"Hmm? You are... you look familiar,"
Beidou said as she noticed Lumine approaching.
"You're the traveler who confronted the Fatui and Osial, right?"
"And you, you must be Mr. Qiu Bai from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Ningguang has mentioned you to me."
She continued, turning to see a handsome, scholarly-looking young man walking toward her,
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)