Chapter 87: Xiao

After hearing Paimon's consoling words, Shao Yun let out a soft sigh, a faintly helpless smile surfacing on his face.

He carefully tucked the thirty Mora back into the coin pouch.

"Tch... I knew it. Liyue folks aren't easy to fool," Shao Yun muttered under his breath, a trace of self-deprecating humor in his tone.

Clearly, getting a good deal in Liyue wasn't going to be easy.

After finishing their tea, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon got up and prepared to leave.

They mounted their horses and set off toward Wangshu Inn.

A streak of radiant sunset lingered on the horizon, painting Dihua Marsh in a dreamlike hue.

Shao Yun and Lumine rode side by side, hooves echoing as they weaved through the road, the swaying white reeds seemingly dancing in tune with the gentle rhythm—a graceful melody composed by nature itself.

At last, under the deep night sky, they arrived at Wangshu Inn.

Though the inn had looked deceptively close from Stone Gate, the distance had proven long.

Both horses were panting heavily, their labored breathing distinct in the still air.

Shao Yun gazed up at the inn and muttered, "It looked close, but getting here nearly starved the horses to death."

Lumine nodded in agreement. "I thought it was built in the trees, but turns out the foundation's stone—were just with trees growing on it."

They dismounted. Lumine and Paimon took in the ancient yet elegant architecture, their eyes lingering appreciatively on the unique charm of the inn.

"I'll go take care of the horses."

Shao Yun led them toward the long-unused stable, and seeing no one around, quietly stored them in his mobile stable.

Much better than this cobweb-laced dump.

He then returned to Lumine and Paimon, a relaxed smile on his face. "The horses are settled. Let's go."

Just as they were about to enter, a woman in a simple innkeeper's uniform, Yu Liu, approached with a friendly smile.

"Welcome, honored guests. Are you here to stay, or perhaps try some of our signature dishes?"

"To stay," Shao Yun replied.

Yu Liu gestured toward the slowly ascending cargo lift in the distance. "If you're lodging, please take the cargo lift to the top floor and speak to our proprietor, Verr Goldet."

Paimon's curiosity was piqued again. She pointed at the staircases winding around the inn and asked, "If there's a lift, why build all these stairs?"

Shao Yun turned, amused by Paimon's inquisitive face. "Lifts are convenient, but what if they break down? Without stairs, people upstairs wouldn't be able to get down. The stairs are a backup."

Paimon smacked her forehead in realization. "Oh! I didn't even think of that!"

Yu Liu chuckled beside them. "The guest is absolutely right. The stairs are indeed for emergencies. Though, recently, one's collapsed. The boss is planning to get it repaired."

Shao Yun looked up at the towering Wangshu Inn, which loomed like a mountain among the treetops. He recalled the many times he'd tried to climb it—and died falling every single one.

Only after fixing the stairs did he realize: there's an elevator...

...

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon ascended slowly in the lift, with the vast beauty of Dihua Marsh unfurling beneath them.

From the verdant grass and crystal-clear waters nearby, to the rolling mountains in the distance, it was like watching a painting come alive.

The scenery was breathtaking.

When the lift stopped steadily at the top, they stepped out and were immediately enveloped by the inn's bustling nighttime energy.

The lights were bright, the crowd lively, and the aromas of various dishes wafted through the air—utterly tantalizing.

They approached Verr Goldet, the innkeeper, who looked them over with a warm smile.

"How may I assist you, honored guests?"

Shao Yun answered directly, "We need a room."

Verr Goldet took out a pricing chart from the counter and handed it to Shao Yun. "We offer various options—single, double, luxury suites, and more. What kind would you prefer?"

Shao Yun examined the sheet and turned to Lumine. "Think a single room would be enough?"

Lumine nodded. "Sure, if you're sleeping on the floor while Paimon and I take the bed."

Shao Yun feigned a pout. "What? Can't we make Paimon sleep on the floor?"

Paimon immediately protested, "Hey! You really want to make me sleep on the floor?!"

"Alright, alright. No more teasing Paimon. Single room's out."

...

Shao Yun kept reviewing the price sheet. If they were low on money, he'd need to choose carefully. But if they had money—why bother thinking?

At last, he looked up, smiled slyly at Lumine, and suggested, "How about a luxury suite?"

Before he could finish, Lumine stomped on his foot, clearly unimpressed.

"Just get a double room. Don't waste your money."

Shao Yun shrugged and turned back to Verr Goldet. "Okay, her call. We'll take a regular double."

Verr Goldet nodded and retrieved a key from the drawer. "Five thousand Mora for the night."

Shao Yun paid and handed the key to Lumine.

"You go ahead with Paimon."

Lumine frowned. "And you?"

Shao Yun gestured at the colorful menu on the counter. "I want to get something to eat."

As soon as she heard eat, Paimon lit up. Her eyes sparkled. "I want—"

But Verr Goldet cut in.

"I suggest something easy to digest. How about Almond Tofu?"

Almond Tofu? Wangshu Inn? This lady must be—

Verr Goldet noticed his puzzled look. "What's wrong? It's sweet and soothing—guaranteed sweet dreams tonight."

Shao Yun glanced up, then pulled out enough Mora for three servings.

"Alright, three, please."

Verr Goldet smiled and took the money. "I'll have them delivered to your room. If you're feeling restless, the top-floor terrace has a great view."

Yup... confirmed.

...

At their room door, Shao Yun fished out the key. The lock clicked softly.

The double room was simply but warmly decorated—not luxurious, but incredibly comfortable.

"Wow!" Paimon darted onto the bed, rolling excitedly.

"It's so soft!"

Shao Yun surveyed the room and nodded in approval. It was perfect for a good night's rest.

Lumine tested the mattress. Very soft.

Then she glanced at Shao Yun with a grin and teased in his tone, "If your snoring wakes us up tonight, you're sleeping outside in the wind."

A joke—but just slightly serious.

Shao Yun crossed his arms and feigned a shiver. "Cruel, Lumine. Haha."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Three fragrant plates of Almond Tofu arrived.

The scent of almonds filled the air, utterly mouthwatering.

Shao Yun picked up a portion and inhaled deeply.

Then he recalled Verr Goldet's hint about the terrace. Might as well pay respects—it's her turf after all.

"I'll go check out the view. I'll eat later."

He set the dish down and stepped out.

Lumine, sitting by the bed and sampling the tofu with Paimon, watched his retreating figure.

"Come back soon, or I won't be able to stop Paimon."

...

Shao Yun stood on Wangshu Inn's rooftop terrace, the night breeze brushing gently against his face.

The view from here—Dihua Marsh beneath the moonlight—was intoxicatingly beautiful.

He pulled a cigar from his pocket and held it to his nose.

"Alcohol's the best for restoring Core Stamina and Core Deadeye, but sometimes, a good cigar calms the nerves too."

(Side note: Smoking is harmful to one's health!)

Leaning on the railing, Shao Yun lit the cigar, took a long drag, and let the smoke swirl in his mouth.

Through the haze, he gazed at the endless peaks beyond, a quiet ambition rising in his chest.

But then—he felt someone watching.

He tilted his head slightly, scanning with the corner of his eye.

"Stop staring. Come enjoy the Liyue scenery with me."

As if summoned, a figure appeared at his side.

A boy with short, gradient teal hair—shorter than Lumine.

Handsome, but with a cold, regal air. His eyes were deep and penetrating, as though they could see through all illusions.

Shorter than Lumine, appeared at Wangshu Inn, looked like that—who else could it be but the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao?

Under the night sky, Xiao stood silently beside Shao Yun. Both men stared out at the moonlit marsh.

Stars twinkled. Moonlight bathed the land. A scene never tiring to behold.

"I've lost count of how many times I've looked at Liyue's night view... but after all these years, it never gets old."

Xiao's voice was low and calm, tinged with ancient memory.

Shao Yun flicked ash off his cigar. "Tacitus Kilgore."

Xiao replied emotionlessly, "Hello, Mr. Shao Yun. I'm Xiao."

Shao Yun took another puff, exhaling smoke. "The moment I stepped into Wangshu Inn—no, into Liyue—you started watching me, didn't you?"

Xiao didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the marsh below.

Clearly, he'd taken notice from the moment Shao Yun arrived. If he hadn't acted yet, it meant Shao Yun wasn't considered a serious threat.

Then Xiao asked, "How were you so sure I'd appear?"

He didn't address the previous question, instead tossing one back.

Shao Yun twirled the cigar between his fingers. "What if I said I just wanted to smoke, noticed your gaze, and invited you to enjoy the view with me—would you believe it?"

A game of verbal catch between two sharp minds.

Xiao mentally replayed Shao Yun's arrival, then spoke coolly. "Seems Verr Goldet wanted me to check if you were a threat."

Shao Yun offered the cigar with a grin. "Want a puff?"

Xiao gave him a flat look. "Don't encourage others to smoke. It's disgusting."

Though calm, his voice carried absolute conviction.

Shao Yun chuckled awkwardly and took another drag.

After a moment's thought, he shifted the topic. "Let me think... You're the Conqueror of Demons, Guardian Yaksha, Golden-Winged Great General—Xiao, right? Might've missed one, don't take offense."

Xiao's expression didn't change. "Empty titles. You invited me to admire the scenery, didn't you? Then stop talking."