Chapter 519

Xiangling began to keep busy.

She and Lumine started working separately, making sure everything was ready. It wasn't until the evening that they finally completed all the preparations. Next, all that was left was to get the hot pot base ready.

After preparing everything, Xiangling and Lumine went home to rest early. The next day, just after dawn, Xiangling woke up and dragged Lumine out of bed. Lumine was still a little groggy, and Paimon couldn't even open her eyes. Instead of pushing Paimon, Lumine simply got up and went out with Xiangling to start preparing for the big day.

When they arrived at the hot pot restaurant, Xiangling began to prepare the hot pot base and make the soup. She also started organizing the ingredients. Not long after, the helpers that Xiangling had invited gradually began to arrive. Even though they had to start work so early, they didn't mind—mainly because the salary Xiangling offered was quite generous.

The team stayed busy until almost noon. Xiangling had wisely prepared several days' worth of the hot pot base to avoid taking so much time every day. Finally, around noon, the hot pot restaurant officially opened. Firecrackers were lit, and the commotion quickly attracted the attention of passersby.

"Don't miss out!"

"Experience a taste from another world!"

"Enjoy exotic flavors you've never tried before!"

The waiters standing at the door called out enthusiastically. These words were inspired by Lumine's experience of being from another world. Hearing them, people became curious. Food from another world? Many were intrigued by the shop's sign, "Wanmin Tang Hot Pot Restaurant." What exactly was hot pot?

Driven by curiosity, many people came in to take a look. Some who had been planning to eat at Wanmin Restaurant decided to try this new spot instead. The reputation of Wanmin Restaurant helped a lot, and soon the hot pot restaurant was filled to capacity.

However, when people saw the menu, they became a bit confused. The dishes were simply named, with nothing but the names of various vegetables, meats, and broths listed. How exactly were they supposed to eat this? Luckily, the waiters quickly explained the process.

When the soup base and dishes were brought out, some diners were even more puzzled. But with guidance, they soon understood how to cook the ingredients themselves. The variety of dipping sauces added to the fun, as everyone could mix their own flavors.

As time passed, the aroma of the hot pot spread quickly, and more and more people were drawn in. Before long, the people of Liyue were captivated by this new dining experience. The hot pot restaurant became a hit. Even Zhongli came over to join the fun, expressing his appreciation for this new style of eating.

Takumi and his friends also visited the restaurant. Seeing the bustling scene, they couldn't help but marvel at how popular hot pot could become, no matter the world. It felt as if Liyue was slowly transforming into the world of Takumi's previous life. Takumi began to think that he should find a way to introduce more recipes from his old world to Xiangling, helping to bring even more culinary delights to Liyue.

Takumi, Keqing, and Shenhe sat in a private room with Zhongli and Guizhong. After everyone had eaten their fill, Zhongli spoke up:

"This way of eating is wonderful, especially in winter."

After saying this, he took a sip of tea, clearly enjoying the meal. Takumi chuckled.

"I'll share more recipes with Xiangling when I get the chance. When the time comes, old man, you must try them out."

Zhongli's eyes lit up with interest.

"Then I shall wait with great anticipation."

The group sat together for a while longer before parting ways. Takumi and Keqing were heading back to the General Affairs Department when a sudden gust of energy caught Takumi's attention.

As they entered the office, Takumi asked curiously:

"Xiao? Is there a problem?"

A burst of blue light flashed, and Xiao appeared out of thin air. Keqing, seeing Xiao appear so suddenly, was also puzzled. The Yaksha rarely approached others, so why had he come looking for Takumi?

Xiao's mood seemed very unstable, which only increased Takumi's confusion.

"Can you... save them?"

Xiao asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and desperation. He took out a few items, and when Takumi saw them, his expression shifted to one of astonishment.

There were four items, each holding a faint trace of consciousness. These were almost gone, on the verge of complete dissipation.

"These are... Yakshas?"

After sensing them, Takumi was deeply shocked. Could this be the residual consciousness of the other Yakshas?

Xiao nodded.

"Yes! I found these in a ruin. The first item belonged to Bosacius. I sensed a remaining consciousness on it. Then I found Indarias, and after many twists and turns, I finally collected their remaining consciousness."

It had taken a lot of effort. Xiao had been searching all over Liyue, and when he discovered the items of his fallen comrades, his emotions were indescribable. Finding hope in these remnants, he finally brought them to Takumi, his last resort.

"If you can't help them... then there's no hope left for my kin."

Takumi looked at the items in Xiao's hands and said calmly:

"Give them all to me."

He activated the power of the Herrscher of Consciousness, stabilizing the crumbling consciousness within the items. Xiao handed everything over without hesitation, his usually stoic demeanor replaced with raw nervousness.

"Can they be saved?"

Xiao looked at Takumi expectantly. Could his fallen brothers and sisters truly be brought back?

Takumi nodded firmly.

"Yes. As long as there is even a sliver of consciousness left, I can save them. However, it will take time. Their situation is quite severe."

These consciousnesses were nearly lost. If they dissipated entirely, not even Takumi could bring them back.

"What do you need me to do?"

Hearing that there was hope, Xiao's usually calm voice trembled with excitement. His family could be resurrected!

Takumi stored the items carefully and responded:

"You don't need to do anything. Just rest and leave this to me."

Xiao couldn't help much in this process. This task would be entirely up to Takumi and his unique powers.