Chaiyi and his junior disciple stared at Qiu Bai demonstration in astonishment.
"My goodness, this is even more impressive than our master!"
"This is the first time I've seen such powerful qi technique!"
Chaiyi exclaimed in disbelief as he gazed at Qiu Bai.
After regaining his composure, Chaiyi immediately cupped his hands in a respectful gesture toward Qiu Bai.
"Master, may I ask your name?"
"Someone as skilled as you couldn't possibly be unknown!"
Chaiyi asked respectfully.
"Ahem... I am Master Qingyi of True Qi."
"Even your master would have to address me as senior."
Qiu Bai turned around, hands behind his back, leaving an impressive silhouette.
Behind him, Chaiyi and his junior disciple gazed at Qiu Bai back with pure admiration.
"Master Qingyi of True Qi... I had no idea Liyue had such an incredible qi master."
"Even more powerful than our teacher!"
Chaiyi exclaimed with wide eyes, staring excitedly at Qiu Bai retreating figure.
Hearing this, the corner of Qiu Bai mouth twitched. These two were so gullible, no wonder they had been swindled out of so much money.
"This master looks forward to meeting you in the competition."
"If you can defeat me, I will teach you all my martial arts."
"And I won't charge a single Mora."
With that, Qiu Bai walked away with his hands behind his back, leaving an imposing figure.
"This guy..."
Lumine and Paimon placed their hands on their hips, watching Qiu Bai with disapproving expressions.
Qiu Bai didn't linger, leading Lumine and Paimon forward. Chaiyi and his junior disciple remained behind, looking at Qiu Bai silhouette with admiration.
"Pffft hahaha!"
"Qiu Bai, you're so bad!"
After walking for a while, Paimon finally couldn't hold it in any longer.
She clutched her stomach and burst into laughter. Just thinking about their expressions made her want to laugh.
"But speaking of which, it seems they really were scammed."
"Redirecting Energy—does such a thing actually exist?"
Lumine asked Qiu Bai curiously.
"Of course it does."
"Wasn't that what I just demonstrated?"
Qiu Bai rubbed his nose, smiling at Lumine.
"Hey, that was clearly your divine power!"
"You're trying to fool us too!"
Paimon stomped her foot angrily.
"Hahaha, let's go."
Qiu Bai couldn't help but laugh at Paimon reaction.
"Champion arm-wrestler of Qingce Village..."
"This honor... well, let's just approve it."
The registration official looked at the middle-aged man before her with resignation.
"Next person, please come forward to register!"
"First, please tell me your name."
The official smiled at Qiu Bai, Lumine, and Paimon as they approached.
"I'm Lumine," she replied.
"Lumine? Could you be that person...?!" The official looked at Lumine in surprise.
"Did I hear correctly?"
"It's really her!"
"Wait, doesn't she have a Vision?"
"Yet she's participating in this martial arts tournament!"
The surrounding participants began whispering among themselves, surprised that this renowned hero had arrived.
"Um... let me verify. Are you the Traveler who helped Liyue defeat the ancient god?"
The official asked incredulously.
"Yes." Lumine nodded without denying it.
"It really is her!"
"The one who spoke with Lady Keqing at the Rite of Parting!"
"I heard that during the ceremony at Jade Chamber, this hero named Lumine carried the adeptus's power!"
"Is that true?"
"Wow... that means she's friends with the adeptus!"
"Can we... can we ask for her autograph later?"
Paimon, hearing the discussions behind her, puffed up with pride.
She crossed her arms with a smug expression, then turned to face the registration official.
"You should know that this tournament only allows participants without Visions, right?"
The official asked Lumine curiously.
"I don't have a Vision."
Lumine explained.
"Really? But according to rumors, your combat abilities are extraordinary."
"You've ventured into dangerous situations multiple times, and neither the Fatui nor their Harbingers could match you."
The official said in amazement.
"But she really doesn't have a Vision!"
"You can check if you don't believe us."
Paimon explained to the official.
"I apologize for any offense. I believe a hero like you wouldn't lie."
"Could you list some of your accomplishments? It's just a formality."
The official smiled.
"Although it's just procedural for someone like you."
"It would help me with the registration..."
The official explained with a smile.
"I already know about helping the adeptus defeat Osial."
"Are there others?"
The official asked curiously. She was genuinely interested in what other achievements this traveler who helped defeat an ancient god might have.
"Defeated Fatui Harbingers."
"Savior of Dvalin."
"Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius."
"Gave the Anemo Archon a nickname, ate meals with the Geo Archon, and even met the female form of Rex Lapis."
Lumine rattled off a series of impressive titles.
"What was that last one about?"
Qiu Bai mouth twitched at Lumine's final statement.
"And she's also friends with Rex Lapis!"
"She even fought the Fatui Harbinger Childe!"
Paimon proudly told the official.
Lumine turned her head to give Paimon a disapproving look.
"This..."
"She's definitely going to be the champion."
"I wonder if it's too late to withdraw from the competition."
"Giving the Anemo Archon a nickname, being friends with Rex Lapis, and eating the Geo Archon's food!"
"But what's this about Rex Lapis's female form?"
The participants in the crowd looked toward Lumine, feeling discouraged. If she was competing, the outcome seemed predetermined.
"I understand, I understand! These credentials are more than enough!"
"I've never seen such an impressive background before."
"Though that last part was strange, it still amazed me."
The official lady patted her chest, clearly astonished by Lumine's words.
Next, the official introduced the tournament prize to Lumine—the Vision.
Lumine explained to the official that they were heading to Inazuma and weren't here for the Vision.
"Oh, I see."
"You've already made arrangements with the boss."
The official scratched her head, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"No one expected you would participate. Even I was surprised."
"Anyway, the preliminaries will begin soon. You can prepare and discuss your strategy."
The official explained with a smile.
"Next!"
Then the official called to Qiu Bai, who was standing behind Lumine.
"Hehe, my turn now."
Qiu Bai stretched lazily and stepped forward.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)