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As fellow Title Douluo, the old man believed he had the right to take a seat.
But the three young ones were different.
So what if they were geniuses?
Geniuses who hadn't yet grown into their power were still just geniuses.
Among the three youths, the one with the highest status was Hu Liena.
But even as the Pope's disciple—not yet the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall—she still had no right to sit.
The three were very aware of their standing. After saluting, they stood behind the old man.
After briefly observing them, Zhongli had already deduced their identities.
A Title Douluo who loved heavy makeup—there was only one person in Spirit Hall with such a preference: Elder Yue Guan.
Combined with the distinctive traits of the three youths, his conclusion was all but certain.
Yue Guan, and the golden trio of Spirit Hall's younger generation—Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan!
While Zhongli studied them, the four were also scrutinizing him.
Truth be told, they had never seen a man so exquisitely handsome. Every movement carried an air of nobility, his expression calm yet tinged with a faint melancholy.
Had they not known he was a powerful Title Douluo, they might have mistaken him for a noble young master from some prestigious family.
"Old man, what's wrong with your face?"
Paimon hovered beside Zhongli, tilting her head as she studied Yue Guan with innocent curiosity.
Despite his heavy makeup and slightly affected voice, she could still tell he was male.
At her words, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan stiffened, feeling the air grow several degrees colder.
After all, Yue Guan hated when people commented on his gender or appearance!
This little creature…
Wait, a floating, unknown being?
Was this Zhongli's second martial soul?
Yue Guan froze, glancing between Paimon and Zhongli before exhaling slowly and waving a hand.
"There's nothing wrong with my face. It's just… a personal preference."
Why bother arguing with a child?
He could hear genuine concern in Paimon's tone—not mockery.
Paimon blinked, scratching her head in confusion.
Personal preference?
What an… interesting preference!
"Oh, I see."
Though she didn't fully understand, it was his freedom to do as he pleased.
Back in Mondstadt, such freedom wouldn't be considered heresy, right?
After all, Barbatos wore white stockings…
And historically, stockings were originally made for men.
So Barbatos' outfit wasn't entirely unreasonable.
"???"
Paimon's expression of understanding only left Yue Guan even more bewildered!
In all his years across the Douluo Continent, no one had ever truly understood him!
Even his sworn brother, Ghost Douluo, tolerated his habits—but never understood them!
"Little one, aren't you curious why I'm like this?"
Originally, Yue Guan had referred to himself as "this old man," but now, his tone shifted to simply "I."
"Curious, but isn't it your freedom?"
Mondstadt had been the first stop on their journey through Teyvat's seven nations, and Paimon had stayed there long enough to grasp the concept of freedom.
Hearing this, Yue Guan trembled slightly before bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha—!"
Unconsciously, his aura flared, confirming to everyone present that this old man was a true powerhouse!
"Good, good, good!"
He clapped his hands, repeating the word several times.
"What a splendid notion—freedom!"
"Yes! This is my freedom!"
After so many years, someone finally understood him!
Wait—Paimon wasn't even human. She was a martial soul…
After all these years, the one who understood him was a martial soul?!
How tragic!
"Little one, my name is Yue Guan, Title: Chrysanthemum Douluo, Elder of Spirit Hall."
"Hiss—"
The teahouse patrons collectively gasped.
Yue Guan?
A Title Douluo?
A Spirit Hall Elder?
This man was the infamous Chrysanthemum Douluo!
Rumors painted him as a temperamental, merciless executioner.
Yet today, those prejudices seemed… misplaced.
He was actually quite reasonable.
"From this day forward, should you ever need anything, I will climb mountains of blades and cross seas of fire to fulfill your request!"
Yue Guan declared with unwavering determination.
"A scholar dies for his confidant; a woman adorns herself for her admirer."
Whether Paimon was human or a martial soul didn't matter—she understood him. That alone made her his confidant!
"Eh—?"
Paimon stared blankly, utterly lost.
What was this heavily made-up old man going on about?
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were dumbfounded.
The Pope had sent Chrysanthemum Douluo to recruit Zhongli, yet before they could even negotiate, Yue Guan himself had been recruited!
"Climb mountains of blades and cross seas of fire"—such an extreme oath!
A Title Douluo's vows were not to be taken lightly. Failing to uphold them could stagnate one's cultivation!
Yue Guan's words carried immense weight!
(Not that they dared say it aloud—otherwise, he'd surely retort, "What's so extreme about it?")
"Little one, though my reputation across the continent may be… less than stellar, my word is absolute. I never go back on my promises!"
Yue Guan spoke with solemn gravity.
There was a reason for his appearance.
He was living for his deceased sister.
No matter the scorn, no matter the ridicule—he refused to change.
Now, finally, someone understood him. To Yue Guan, this was sheer bliss.
As his words settled, the crowd's eyelids twitched, but they nodded in reluctant agreement.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's reputation was questionable—even he acknowledged that.
But the biggest stain on his name?
His makeup.
If he were a woman, it'd be one thing. But he was a man!
Paimon blinked before replying instinctively, "Thank you, old man."
"Um… I don't really need anything, but… if possible, do you have any delicious food?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Yue Guan: "…"
Crowd: "…"
Trio: "…"
Everyone's minds buzzed in disbelief.
A Title Douluo's solemn vow—and all she asked for was food?!
Classic Paimon!
After a stunned pause, Yue Guan studied Paimon again and broke into a smile.
This little one had a heart of pure innocence!
No wonder she understood him.
"Very well! When I return, I shall gather the finest delicacies for you!"
He declared this as though it were a matter of life and death.
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were completely numb!
They knew Yue Guan's temperament better than anyone.
Yet what had they just witnessed?
Was this really the same Chrysanthemum Douluo?!
What they didn't realize was that despite his eccentricities, Yue Guan was a man who cherished flowers—and loyalty.
When Ghost Douluo died, knowing he was no match for Tang San, he still sought revenge—even if it cost him his life.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 130 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.