Freedom

Even though they were all titled Douluos, the elder believed he had the right to sit down.

However, it was different for the three young people.

So what if they were geniuses? A genius who hasn't yet grown is still just a genius.

Among the three young people, Hu Liena had the highest status. But she was only the Pope's disciple, not the Holy Saintness of Spirit Hall, so she did not have the right to sit either.

The three of them were very clear about their own positions. After saluting, they stood behind the elder.

After briefly observing the three, Zhongli had already figured out their identities.

There was only one titled Douluo who liked to wear heavy makeup—the elder of Spirit Hall, Yue Guan.

Given the characteristics of the three young people, he was even more certain of this.

Yue Guan, along with the three leaders of the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall: Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan!

While Zhongli was sizing up the four of them, they were also observing Zhongli.

To be honest, they had never seen such a handsome man before. Every movement was filled with elegance, and his expression was calm, yet there was a hint of melancholy.

If they didn't know he was a powerful titled Douluo, they would have thought he was some noble young master from a wealthy family.

"Grandpa, what happened to your face?"

Paimon, who was floating beside Zhongli, asked Yue Guan curiously.

Even though Yue Guan wore heavy makeup and had a somewhat effeminate voice, Paimon could still tell he was male.

Hearing this, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were all shocked, feeling as if the air had suddenly turned colder.

They knew that Yue Guan hated it when people talked about his gender or makeup!

This little one...

Wait, a flying creature?

Is this Zhongli's second martial soul?

Yue Guan was stunned. He looked at Paimon, then at Zhongli. He slowly exhaled and waved his hand, saying, "There's nothing wrong with my face; it's just a personal preference."

Why should he argue with a child? He could sense genuine concern in Paimon's tone.

This little one was really worried about him, not mocking him.

Paimon was taken aback, scratching her head in confusion.

Personal preference?

That's quite an interesting taste!

"I see."

Even though she didn't quite understand, it was his choice how he wanted to look.

In Mondstadt, such a choice wouldn't be considered heretical, right?

After all, Barbatos even wore white stockings...

When stockings first appeared, they were indeed made for men.

Barbatos' attire wasn't that hard to understand.

"???"

Seeing Paimon's understanding expression left Yue Guan a bit bewildered!

It could be said that no one in the entire Douluo Continent had ever truly understood him!

Even his good friend, Ghost Douluo, could accept it but didn't truly understand it!

"Little one, aren't you curious why I do this?"

Originally, Yue Guan referred to himself as "this old man," but now his tone had changed.

"I'm curious, but isn't it your freedom to do so?"

Paimon had spent quite a bit of time in Mondstadt, the City of Freedom, and had a good understanding of the concept of freedom.

Upon hearing this, Yue Guan was slightly stunned. After a moment, he burst into laughter.

Unconsciously, his aura began to radiate, making everyone present realize something: this old man was a powerful figure!

"Good, good, good!"

Yue Guan clapped his hands and repeated the word "good" several times.

"Well said—freedom!"

"Yes, this is my freedom!"

After so many years, someone finally understood him!

Wait, but Paimon doesn't seem to be a person... she's a martial soul...

After so many years, finally, a martial soul understands him! How tragic! The one who understands him turns out to be a martial soul!

"Little one, my name is Yue Guan, titled as 'Chrysanthemum,' an elder of the Spirit Hall."

"Hiss…"

Hearing this, the people in the teahouse couldn't help but gasp.

Yue Guan? Titled? An elder of Spirit Hall? The person in front of them was actually the legendary Chrysanthemum Douluo!

Rumor had it that Yue Guan was unpredictable, a ruthless executioner who killed without hesitation.

But after seeing him today, these "prejudices" didn't seem quite right.

He was actually quite reasonable.

"From now on, if you ever need anything, I will go through hell and high water to do it for you!"

Yue Guan declared resolutely to Paimon.

A man dies for a confidant, and a woman beautifies herself for her admirer!

It didn't matter whether Paimon was human or a martial soul; the fact that she understood him made her his confidant!

"Sigh~"

Paimon looked bewildered, not knowing what to do.

What was this heavily made-up old man talking about?

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were all stunned.

The Pope had sent Chrysanthemum Douluo to "take down" Zhongli, but before they had even exchanged a few words, Chrysanthemum Douluo had already been taken down!

Swearing to go through hell and high water was no trivial matter! A titled Douluo couldn't just make such vows lightly. If they made a promise they couldn't keep, their soul power level could very well stagnate.

Yue Guan's words carried considerable weight! Fortunately, they didn't voice their concerns out loud, or else Yue Guan might have asked them what made them think his words were too heavy.

"Little one, although my reputation on Douluo Continent isn't great, I always keep my word and never go back on it!"

Yue Guan said with a solemn expression.

There was a reason for his appearance.

He was living for his deceased sister!

Even if people looked down on him, even if they mocked him, he still remained as he was, never changing.

Now, finally having someone who understood him was a source of great joy for Yue Guan.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes twitched, but they nodded in agreement.

Indeed, Chrysanthemum Douluo's reputation wasn't the best, and he was aware of that.

But the main reason his reputation was so poor was because of his heavy makeup.

If he were a woman, it wouldn't be a big deal, but he was a man!

Paimon blinked and instinctively said, "Thank you, Grandpa."

"I-I don't really need anything. If possible, is there something good to eat?"

As she said this, Paimon looked hopeful.

Yue Guan: "…"

Everyone: "…"

The three young ones: "…"

Everyone's minds buzzed as they realized that the titled Douluo's promise was simply met with a request for food!

That's so like you, Paimon!

Yue Guan was momentarily stunned. He looked at Paimon again, realizing that this little one had a pure heart!

No wonder she could understand him.

"Alright, when I return, I'll gather all kinds of delicious food for you!"

Yue Guan said earnestly, as if this was a very serious matter.

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were all stunned! They knew Chrysanthemum Douluo's personality all too well.

But what had they witnessed today?

Could something like this really happen to Chrysanthemum Douluo?

What they didn't know was that although Yue Guan had an eccentric personality, he was a titled Douluo who loved flowers.

At the same time, he was also someone deeply loyal and righteous!

After Ghost Douluo's death, despite knowing he wasn't a match for Tang San, Yue Guan still went to seek revenge, dying in the process without regret.