Morcius let out a sigh, and his form changed back into Qiu Bai.
Holding the mask in his hand, he began walking toward the Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Right now, it's still not the time to revive Kitsune Saiguu."
"When Ei realizes that Eternity isn't the right path, then we'll bring Kitsune Saiguu back."
Qiu Bai looked at the red-and-white mask in his hand and murmured to himself.
Then, with a flash of light, the mask was stored into his system space.
"Now that everything's settled…"
"Let's go find Yae Miko."
With that, Qiu Bai vanished from the spot.
Underneath the Sacred Sakura Tree, a table sat with Yae Miko leisurely reading a light novel on one side.
Suddenly, Qiu Bai appeared beside her.
"It's done."
"Treat me to a meal someday, won't you?"
Qiu Bai chuckled and sat across from Yae Miko.
"Hehe~"
"You've helped me so much, of course I'll treat you."
Yae Miko put down her book and smiled warmly.
"Mm…"
"That's more like it."
Qiu Bai smiled at her.
"Well then, I'll rest for now."
After saying that, Qiu Bai placed a Serenitea Pot on the table and with a thought, vanished into it.
"Hehe~"
Yae Miko covered her mouth and giggled before returning to her light novel.
The next morning, Qiu Bai reappeared beside the teapot in a flash of light.
He stretched, glanced at the table and noticed there was still a light novel on it.
"Miko's not here?"
"Right… today seems a little special."
Qiu Bai touched his chin, muttering to himself.
"Hehe, guess I'll go fetch the Traveler."
"Morax would probably be happy to see them too."
Qiu Bai waved his hand, storing the Serenitea Pot back into his system space.
In the next instant, he vanished again.
When he reappeared, he was standing in front of the Traveler and Paimon.
"WAAAH!!!"
"You! Can you not just suddenly pop up like that?!"
Paimon yelled, arms crossed in protest after realizing who it was.
Even Lumine had been startled, raising her sword in reflex.
"Where is this?"
Qiu Bai looked around curiously.
"Qiu Bai, we just came back from a festival with Ayaka."
Lumine explained, putting away her sword.
"We found a random spot in the wild and spent the night in the Serenitea Pot."
"I can tell—you've still got a mask on your head."
Qiu Bai said with a light laugh.
The cute and slightly silly look on her face with the mask actually suited her quite well.
"And what about you? What've you been up to these past few days?"
Paimon asked suspiciously, tapping her chin.
"Hehe, nothing much."
"Just helped out Miko a bit. You know, doing some odd jobs."
Qiu Bai smiled.
"'Odd jobs, huh?"
"Knowing you, they're probably far from simple."
Paimon squinted at him with suspicion.
"Good thing I was there to help."
"In fact, Lumine, you kinda owe me one."
Qiu Bai turned to Lumine with a smile.
"Why's that?"
Lumine blinked, looking adorably confused.
"Nothing, don't worry about it."
Qiu Bai smiled and waved her off.
"Anyway, why did you come find us?"
"Is Ayaka already preparing for the next task?"
Paimon asked, hands open in curiosity.
"No, that's still a couple days away…"
Qiu Bai tapped his chin in thought.
The ceremony involving a hundred Visions would probably take at least another two days to begin.
"I actually came for something else..."
Qiu Bai stepped forward and whispered the details to them.
"Oh~!"
"So that's how it is!"
Paimon clapped her hands excitedly.
"Traveler, let's go!"
She turned to Lumine with a big grin.
"Mm. So we're heading back to Liyue now?"
Lumine turned to Qiu Bai, a little unsure.
"Exactly. Let's return to Liyue first."
"After we're done there, I'll bring you two back."
Qiu Bai smiled at them.
"Alright!"
Paimon beamed and grabbed Qiu Bai sleeve without hesitation.
Lumine smiled as well and grabbed the other side.
"Liyue Harbor…"
Qiu Bai closed his eyes, using divine power to sense the location.
In the next instant, the three of them vanished.
When they reappeared, they were already in an unpopulated area near Liyue Harbor.
"No matter how many times we do this, Qiu Bai teleporting always surprises Paimon."
Paimon stuck her head out curiously, looking at the bustling streets of Liyue.
"Well, he is a god, after all."
Lumine crossed her arms, still wearing her mask, and smiled.
"Say, where would Zhongli be right now?"
Paimon asked, puzzled.
"Hehe, follow me."
Qiu Bai chuckled and started walking through the lively streets of Liyue—so much more vibrant than the heavy atmosphere of Inazuma.
After a short while, he stopped at a door.
"This is Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Lumine murmured.
Qiu Bai pushed the door open and stepped inside.
They were greeted by the sight of Zhongli at a table reading an ancient book.
Rex Lapis former companion, Azhdaha, was sitting nearby, reading a book of unknown content.
Hu Tao was slumped over a chair, staring boredly out the window.
Qiu Yue was setting down a teapot on the table.
As the door opened, all their gazes shifted toward it.
"Brother?!"
"You're back?"
Qiu Yue face lit up with joy.
"Old friend, has your Inazuman journey come to an end?"
Zhongli put down his book and smiled at Qiu Bai.
"Qiu Bai, did you find the stone I told you about?"
Azhdaha asked eagerly.
"Oh, Qiu Bai my dear guest consultant~"
"Did you do any business promotion for this humble Director?"
Hu Tao grinned from her chair.
"Well, I didn't find Azhdaha's stone."
Qiu Bai replied with a smile.
"But as for Hu Tao business, I did do some promotion. Though with the current isolation in Inazuma, clients probably won't be coming anytime soon."
"Sigh, I knew that stone would be hard to find…"
Azhdaha sighed and shook his head helplessly.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Now you can read 30 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)