Chapter 102: Kun Jun

"True enough."

"It's getting late, so this Director will go rest first."

Hu Tao yawned as she headed up to the loft.

"Big Brother, I'm going to bed too."

"See you tomorrow~"

Qiu Yue stepped back from Qiu Bai arms, clasped her hands behind her back and flashed him a sweet smile.

"Mm. Sleep well, Qiu Yue."

"I'm heading to bed too."

Qiu Bai smiled and nodded before heading to the loft as well.

He entered his room, lay down on the bed, and slowly closed his eyes.

The next morning.

Qiu Yue was still asleep, Hu Tao had gone out for business, and Zhongli and Qiu Bai were sipping tea together.

"Old friend, shall we go get something to eat?"

"Let's head over to 'Three Bowls Doesn't Cross the Ridge.'"

Zhongli looked at Qiu Bai across the table and spoke calmly.

"Then let's go."

Qiu Bai nodded with a smile.

The two pushed open the doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and made their way to Three Bowls Doesn't Cross the Ridge.

After sitting down, Zhongli, using Qiu Bai Mora ordered four dishes.

As they began to eat, Tian Tiezui stepped onto the stage and began telling a tale.

"Last time we spoke of the story of the Yin-Yang Immortal Lords and the Geo Archon…"

Tian Tiezui began his storytelling session.

Hearing the content, Qiu Bai couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, while Zhongli remained completely unfazed. He casually dabbed at his mouth with a handkerchief and took a sip of hot tea.

Just then, two familiar figures appeared in the distance.

It was none other than the Traveler and Paimon.

"Found you, Zhongli!"

Paimon called out to Zhongli, who was seated at the table.

"Eh? Qiu Bai, you're here too?"

"You left Mondstadt without even saying anything! We looked all over for you!"

Paimon put her hands on her hips, pouting angrily at Qiu Bai.

"Hehe…"

"I was looking for you two too, but couldn't find you. So I came back."

Qiu Bai chuckled lightly as he explained.

"Hmm?"

"You two seem to be in good spirits. Came here to listen to the storyteller too?"

Zhongli looked at the approaching Lumine and Paimon, speaking with a calm smile.

"No, no!"

Upon hearing Zhongli words, Paimon quickly waved her hands.

"We're actually here to find you. Do you have time right now?"

Paimon looked at Zhongli and asked.

"I do have time."

"As it happens, my old friend is also here and the two of us are free."

Zhongli glanced at Lumine and Paimon, then turned to look at Qiu Bai and nodded.

Seeing Zhongli expression, Qiu Bai smiled and nodded back.

"We've received a rather special commission."

Lumine sat down on the nearby chair, looking politely at Zhongli and Qiu Bai as she spoke.

"This commission…"

"Requires someone with expertise in geology and ores."

Paimon explained, looking at Zhongli seated in front of her.

"Geology and ores…"

Zhongli touched his chin, murmuring thoughtfully.

"The client claims they've found the greatest expert on rocks."

"But I want to prove that you are the one who knows the most about this stuff in all of Teyvat."

Paimon crossed her arms and pouted a little, clearly annoyed at the thought of that boastful old man.

"This... baseless need to compare oneself to others..."

"Where does it even come from?"

Zhongli looked at the floating Paimon, crossing his arms calmly as he spoke.

"It's not about comparing!"

"It's just that Old Dai doesn't know what he's talking about!"

Paimon quickly shook her head, trying to explain.

"I just... want him to see for himself…"

She added in a somewhat aggrieved tone, like a child who had just been scolded by an old man.

"Haha, if that's the case then I'll go with you."

Zhongli looked at the adorable little Paimon and chuckled softly.

"Really!?"

Paimon big eyes sparkled as she got close to Zhongli face.

"But let me say this first. While I do possess some knowledge,"

"It doesn't necessarily make me the most skilled person in the world on this subject."

Zhongli crossed his arms and responded to the floating Paimon with a calm voice.

"There's no limit to learning; gaining more knowledge is always worthwhile."

"Besides, with Qiu Bai and I accompanying you, you can feel at ease."

"And if there truly is an expert, I wouldn't mind the opportunity to learn from them."

Zhongli glanced at Paimon, then at Qiu Bai, and continued.

"Hmm… I don't think you need to be that humble, Zhongli."

Paimon said with a sigh, spreading her hands helplessly at Zhongli modesty.

"Since Zhongli agreed,"

"Let's go find Old Dai!"

Paimon turned her head, looked at the seated Lumine, and stomped her feet happily as she spoke.

"Sigh… I'm truly disappointed."

"You didn't even bother to ask me."

Qiu Bai sighed with a hint of sadness, speaking to Paimon and Lumine.

"Do you know anything about rocks then?"

Paimon turned back, a bit puzzled, and asked Qiu Bai.

"From a rational standpoint—"

"When it comes to rocks, I don't really know much."

Qiu Bai crossed his arms and spoke calmly, imitating Zhongli demeanor.

Across from him, Zhongli mouth twitched slightly.

"Then let's get going Qiu Bai, Zhongli."

Paimon smiled at the two standing before her.

Zhongli and Qiu Bai both nodded and followed behind Lumine and Paimon.

After a short walk, they arrived somewhere close to Liyue Harbor.

They stepped forward into the area.

Ahead stood a sturdy, well-built man wearing a mine foreman's uniform—this must be Old Dai.

"Old Dai! We're back!"

Paimon greeted the strong man before her with a cheerful wave.

"Ah, are these your friends?"

Old Dai looked over at Zhongli and Qiu Bai with a friendly smile.

"No, no. This gentleman here is someone I invited to help out."

Paimon gestured toward Qiu Bai, then turned to look at Zhongli.

"And this gentleman…"

"I believe he is the most knowledgeable person about ores and geology in all of Teyvat."

Paimon explained slowly and sincerely.

"You flatter me."

"I simply have some experience."

Zhongli responded modestly.

Hearing Paimon explanation, Qiu Bai's mouth twitched again—

Well, he had to admit, he really didn't know as much as Zhongli in this area.

After all, only stone understands stone.

"Heh, if you say that then the person I found definitely isn't lacking either."

"I won't say more, once he arrives, you can judge for yourselves."

Old Dai looked at Zhongli confidently, arms crossed.

"Uh… is it here?"

A man wearing glasses and traditional Liyue clothing walked over slowly.

"Ah, perfect timing!"

"Let me introduce you all this is the helper I found, Kun Jun."

Old Dai looked at Kun Jun and introduced him to the group with a smile.

"Little Kun, these two are the adventurers I hired."

"Uh… as for these two gentlemen…"

Old Dai suddenly paused, unsure how to explain their identities.

"Morax, did you feel that?"

"There's a familiar aura coming from that man."

Qiu Bai transmitted his thoughts to Zhongli.

"I felt it, but I'm not sure who he is."

"There's just something... familiar about him."

Zhongli frowned slightly, responding to Qiu Bai beside him.

Qiu Bai smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth.

You don't know… but I do.

(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)