chapter 53

Chapter 53: Hu Tao: "Zhongli, You're Not Going to Die Soon, Are You?"

"Zhongli! Why do you seem so sad recently?" A lively voice interrupted the silence as a clever young woman suddenly appeared at the other side of the tea table, pouring herself a cup of tea.

Across from her sat a dignified man, calm and steady like an ancient tree.

"You don't know, but Inazuma has undergone some strange changes recently. It's become a place where people can enter but can't leave. Many people from Liyue who traveled there have lost contact," Zhongli said, his voice heavy with concern.

Just as Liyue was preparing for the grand ceremony of inviting the Adepti, a huge problem arose in a neighboring country, involving even the people of Liyue. This left Zhongli in a dilemma. On one hand, he had his plans for retirement, but on the other, the safety of his people was at stake.

He had to make a decision.

At worst, he could delay his retirement. But if he missed Liyue's annual ceremony of inviting the Adepti, it would cause unnecessary panic. The absence of the Geo Archon at such an important event would surely be alarming.

The situation distressed him deeply. If he went to Inazuma, it would be a long journey, but if he stayed, he couldn't ignore the Liyue people trapped there.

What exactly was happening with Baal, the Electro Archon? The silence from the heavens and the rebellion of the Cryo Archon... Could Baal also be planning something drastic?

"Huh? Is that so?" Hu Tao asked, sipping her tea. She couldn't help but admire Zhongli's tea-making skills, even as they spoke about such serious matters.

"Maybe the Electro Archon discovered smugglers and is tightening border security," Hu Tao suggested. The lockdown was no longer a rumor; it had become well-known. It made sense that Inazuma would enforce stricter measures.

"What you don't know, Hall Master, is that the thunderstorms in Inazuma have already cleared. In the past, people could still enter and exit despite the storms, but now, even with clear skies, they've completely lost contact. It's strange, isn't it? They could navigate the storms, but now they can't leave when the skies are calm." Zhongli frowned. Something was definitely wrong.

"Ah, but even if something big is happening, it's not for us to worry about, right? We have the Qixing and the Adepti to handle things," Hu Tao said with a shrug. "Besides, life and death are decided by fate. If something happens, it happens. No use worrying over things we can't change."

She added with a mischievous grin, "If I had known earlier, I would've convinced them to purchase a funeral package from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Sailing is dangerous, after all. Best to be prepared."

Surprisingly, Zhongli wasn't annoyed by Hu Tao's usual morbid humor. He was too preoccupied with his own concerns.

"Do you think the Geo Archon should intervene in this matter?" Zhongli asked, his brow furrowed.

"Don't worry!" Hu Tao replied, waving him off. "The Geo Archon will bless all the people of Liyue. You should focus on improving the Funeral Parlor's business instead! Your last bill was pretty high, you know..."

As Hu Tao continued to chatter about the parlor's expenses and improvements, Zhongli's resolve grew stronger. He had to go to Inazuma and seek out Baal. His retirement could wait. The safety of Liyue's people came first.

"Hall Master, I'd like to request a few days off to visit some old friends," Zhongli said calmly.

Hu Tao paused, sensing something was off. She eyed Zhongli carefully. His demeanor was strange today.

"Zhongli, you're acting weird. Since when do you ask me for time off? Could it be that...?"

Her eyes widened as she leaned in, lowering her voice. "Are you seriously ill? Are you... dying soon?"

Zhongli sighed, rubbing his forehead. He still couldn't handle this girl's wild imagination.

"Hall Master, I assure you, I am not dying. I simply need some time away. It may take a while, and it wouldn't be right to slack off for too long," Zhongli explained patiently.

Hu Tao wasn't convinced. She thought for a moment, then hesitated before offering, "Well... do you need me to prepare a package for you? The most luxurious one, of course, since you're an employee of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it's free of charge!"

Despite her teasing, Hu Tao cared about Zhongli. She wouldn't leave him without proper preparations, especially considering his importance.

Zhongli smiled at her offer. "Thank you, Hall Master. I appreciate the gesture."

But his calm acceptance only made Hu Tao more suspicious. "Zhongli, you're not seriously ill, are you? You're not dying soon, right? You've never accepted a package from me so easily before!"

Zhongli remained silent for a long moment before shaking his head. "I promise, Hall Master, I am not sick."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's Inazuma... something is strange there."

Zhongli's journey to Inazuma wasn't on a slow ship—he was heading there as a god, seeking answers. As soon as he approached Inazuma, he sensed something was wrong. The land seemed frozen in time. There were no people, no animals—nothing.

Under the scorching sun, the streets were empty. Even in broad daylight, no one was outside. It was eerie.

Zhongli stepped onto the shores of Inazuma and immediately felt something was amiss. "Is this... an illusion? Or a dream?"

As the oldest of the Archons, Zhongli had plenty of experience with such things. He knew he wasn't physically present in Inazuma. Somehow, he had been drawn into a dream, a trap even he couldn't easily escape.

Even gods could be pulled into dreams. This wasn't Baal's doing—Zhongli was sure of that. The shadow warrior was strong, but this was something beyond her abilities.

Inazuma's situation was deeper and more complex than he had anticipated. In hindsight, it had been wise to notify Hu Tao in advance. After all, even Zhongli wasn't certain how long it would take to return the stranded Liyue citizens from this strange place.