Qiu Bai stared at the first page of the book's introduction and completely lost it.
His mouth twitched violently as he stood there closing the book.
"Hey, don't snatch!"
"Give me one copy, they're almost sold out!"
The crowd behind him continued fighting over the light novels.
The pretty young woman who had secured a copy opened to the first page and let out a shriek.
"The Immortal Lord and the Geo Sovereign!"
"They make such a perfect couple!"
Hugging the book tightly, she ran off toward her home.
Watching her retreating figure, Qiu Bai covered his face in resignation.
"If Zhongli were to see this novel..."
"I wonder what would happen."
Qiu Bai thought with amusement.
Shaking his head, he headed toward the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Pushing open the door, Qiu Bai walked in.
He was greeted by the sight of Zhongli and Qiu Yue.
Hu Tao, Azhdaha, and the parlor staff were nowhere to be seen.
"Old friend, you're back?"
"How was it? Did you find a way to Inazuma?"
Zhongli looked up from an ancient tome and smiled at Qiu Bai as he entered.
"I suppose I did."
"I should be able to head to Inazuma in a while."
Qiu Bai smiled back at Zhongli, who was browsing through the ancient book.
"Brother, you're back!"
"Mr. Zhongli said he'll take us to Mondstadt in a couple of days."
Qiu Yue sat properly on a chair, looking at Qiu Bai with a sweet smile.
"Is that so?"
"Remember to listen to Zhongli, okay?"
Qiu Bai patted Qiu Yue head with a smile.
"Qiu Yue understands."
Qiu Yue looked up at Qiu Bai and nodded obediently.
"By the way, where are Hu Tao and Azhdaha?"
"Where did they go?"
Qiu Bai turned his head, puzzled, and asked Zhongli.
"They went to handle new business."
"To the commercial district of Liyue to process some paperwork."
Zhongli explained calmly to Qiu Bai.
"New business?"
"What kind of business?"
Qiu Bai stroked his chin, puzzled.
"Hehe, it was Azhdaha's idea."
"Concepts like stone coffins and carved tombstones."
Zhongli chuckled softly, explaining to Qiu Bai.
"Stone coffins and carved tombstones?"
Qiu Bai mouth twitched upon hearing these terms.
He hadn't expected Azhdaha ideas to be so progressive.
"It's not just about tombstones and stone coffins."
"They also carve representations of important items from the deceased life."
Zhongli closed the ancient book and explained to Qiu Bai with a smile.
"Stone carving is a record that endures."
"But it's also the most effective method of record-keeping, allowing the deceased's possessions to be preserved for a long time."
"In a sense, it's a good thing."
Zhongli explained slowly to Qiu Bai.
"Hmm, I hadn't expected Azhdaha to be so thorough."
"It's a good approach."
Qiu Bai sat down next to Qiu Yue and spoke to Zhongli, who was sitting not far away.
"By the way, Morax."
"Take a look at this."
Qiu Bai couldn't help but laugh as he tossed the light novel to Zhongli.
"This is..."
Even with Zhongli's temperament, his mouth twitched upon seeing the book's title.
But when Zhongli opened to the first page, his brow actually furrowed.
"What's wrong, Morax?"
Qiu Bai noticed Zhongli's unusual reaction and asked curiously.
"This book's story is indeed inaccurate in places..."
"Like your female incarnation, but..."
Zhongli sighed, murmuring as if reminiscing about something.
"But what?"
Qiu Bai frowned, looking at Zhongli with confusion.
He had long suspected that Zhongli might know something.
Like that strange ancient book composed of Yin-Yang principles.
And the Archon War happened 3,700 years ago—he hadn't even been born then.
But there were some strange points.
Even if he had truly appeared during the Archon War and helped establish Liyue Harbor with Morax, why wouldn't adepti like Cloud Retainer remember him?
"Hehe, it's nothing."
"Just remembering some things."
Zhongli regained his composure and smiled at Qiu Bai.
"The content of this novel..."
"It reminds me of some past events."
Zhongli said slowly, looking at the light novel in his hand.
"Is that so?"
"Though I advise you not to read any further."
Qiu Bai looked at Zhongli with a smile.
"Cannot read further..."
"Why not?"
Zhongli asked, somewhat puzzled.
After speaking, Zhongli continued reading for a few more pages.
Seeing Zhongli calm expression and serious reading, Qiu Bai couldn't help but laugh.
After turning several pages, Zhongli mouth twitched and he quickly closed the book.
"Ahem..."
"By general reasoning, old friend, what you said makes sense."
Zhongli coughed awkwardly, speaking slowly to Qiu Bai.
From Zhongli expression, it seemed he too had been shocked by the later content.
"Brother, what book is that?"
"Can Qiu Yue take a look?"
Qiu Yue beautiful eyes looked at Qiu Bai with curiosity.
"Uh..."
"You'd better not, Qiu Yue."
Qiu Bai hurriedly replied to the curious Qiu Yue.
"Mr. Zhongli said that reading extensively leads to great knowledge."
"Why won't you let Qiu Yue see?"
Qiu Yue pretty large eyes looked at Qiu Bai, then at Zhongli, with confusion.
"This book will not increase your knowledge."
"So it's better not to read it."
Zhongli explained seriously to the curious Qiu Yue.
"Is that so?"
Qiu Yue nodded obediently after hearing Zhongli explanation.
But her gaze still curiously lingered on the light novel in Zhongli hand.
"Phew, I've been busy all day."
"I need a good sleep."
Qiu Bai stood up, stretched, and smiled at Qiu Yue and Zhongli.
"Rest well, old friend."
"Hmm... Hu Tao and Azhdaha aren't back yet, I should go check on them."
Zhongli placed the light novel on the table and walked out the door.
"Brother."
"Are you going to rest so early?"
Qiu Yue looked at Qiu Bai with confusion.
"Adequate sleep gives you energy for work."
"Qiu Yue should rest early too."
Qiu Bai smiled at Qiu Yue, who was sitting properly on the chair.
"Mm, then Qiu Yue will go to sleep too."
Qiu Yue replied obediently, looking at Qiu Bai.
Hearing this, Qiu Bai nodded with a smile.
Then he walked toward the attic, opened the door and entered his room.
After seeing her brother enter his room, Qiu Yue curiously walked to Zhongli table.
She picked up the light novel and flipped through a few pages.
As she read, Qiu Yue face began to blush.
It was as if she had opened the door to a new world. (T/N: NAUUURRRR MY INNOCENT YUE'ER)
"A story about my brother and Mr. Zhongli?"
Taking the book, she sat in the chair and began reading attentively.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)