Chapter 99: Retired Old Man, Zhongli

Rather than dwell on problems we can't solve, why not take this chance to enjoy ourselves a little?

This suggestion won the approval of both Lumine and Paimon.

Across Liyue's vast wilderness, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon spent an unforgettable time together.

For two days and three nights, they wandered freely through the lush forests of Jueyun Karst, where every leaf seemed to whisper ancient secrets of the land.

Sunlight filtered through layers of overlapping leaves, falling upon them in warm, serene patterns.

They explored the forgotten ruins of Guili Plains, the timeworn carvings on the stone walls telling silent stories of grandeur and decline. Weaving through these relics, they could feel the heavy weight of history in every step.

At Dihua Marsh, they rented a small boat and drifted along the shimmering waters. The gentle rocking of the boat, the ripples on the lake's surface—it was as if the whole world had slowed into a peaceful, perfect moment.

They took in the view, chatted, and savored the rare tranquility.

…

At last, the three returned to Liyue Harbor with hearts full of memories. Paimon perched on a stone bench, gazing out at the harbor with a sigh.

"Ah, what a relaxing life. Exploring is fun, but nothing beats lying in bed!"

Shao Yun chuckled and nodded, then turned to Lumine. "What about you? Feeling a bit better now?"

Lumine smiled faintly and nodded. "Yeah, I guess. That sense of defeat isn't so overwhelming anymore. But…" she paused, her tone shifting.

"I remember Liyue has a long history. There might be a place like Mondstadt's library here. I want to search for it—maybe I'll find something useful. I'm not ready to give up yet."

Hearing this, a thought struck Shao Yun. He recalled the famous Wanwen Bookhouse in Liyue. Now that Wallet Tartaglia wasn't covering for them, would he have to go to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and meet that retired old man? Guess we'll see where fate takes us.

"Alright, let's go toge—"

Before he could finish, a familiar voice cut in.

"Hey! Finally found you!" Tartaglia came running over in a hurry. "I've been looking for you for days!"

He should change his name to Cao Cao—speak of the devil, and the devil appears.

Paimon pouted, her gaze clearly displeased as she mumbled under her breath, "This guy called Childe really sticks around like a ghost. If it weren't for Miss Ningguang covering our expenses, I'd give him a punch."

Shao Yun frowned, his voice tinged with impatience. "What is it this time?"

Tartaglia, unfazed by the tone, maintained his smile. "I've been searching all over Liyue Harbor for two days. How did you manage to find the Adepti?"

Shao Yun scoffed. "I just took Lumine out for some fun. What Adepti?"

Tartaglia eyed him knowingly, clearly not buying it.

"Really? Because during those two days, all of Liyue Harbor saw three very angry Adepti storm Yujing Terrace demanding answers. Then, just as you guys returned, the Adepti left. Feels a bit connected, doesn't it?"

Shao Yun looked away with a dismissive click of his tongue. "Even if they tore Yujing Terrace down, it's got nothing to do with us. Don't block our way."

Tartaglia's gaze was earnest, filled with hope. "You three vanished like ghosts—I was genuinely worried. I'm not kidding. I honestly want the best for you."

Shao Yun furrowed his brow, clearly unmoved. "Whether you were worried or not isn't my concern. But you popping up like this... Are you sure it's just a coincidence?"

Ignoring the suspicion, Tartaglia drew in a breath, as if about to reveal something important.

"While you were gone, I didn't just sit around. I've been digging up precious intel about the Geo Archon for you."

A flicker of doubt crossed Shao Yun's face. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Oh? Since when were you so generous?"

Suddenly, Lumine perked up. She had nearly given up hope on Liyue, but Tartaglia's words rekindled a spark in her eyes. She stepped forward quickly.

"Really?"

"Of course," Tartaglia said with a genuine smile. "I really want to make amends between us."

Seeing her eager expression and Tartaglia's sincerity, Shao Yun couldn't help but joke, thinking of the very-much-alive Geo Archon, "Valuable info? What, you summoned the Archon's soul and asked him directly?"

Tartaglia burst into laughter. "Hahaha! That's a good one, Shao Yun. Sounds like something straight out of one of Liyue's myth novels. I'm not that capable!"

He wiped a nonexistent tear from the corner of his eye with a smile.

"Anyway, the truth is, I have a commission for you—something related to the Geo Archon. Maybe in completing it, you'll find what you've been seeking."

Shao Yun instinctively shook his head with a smirk. "What are the chances a good thing like this falls in our lap? Highly doubtful."

Lumine, however, was already swayed. Her eyes, clear as a still lake, turned to Shao Yun with determination.

"We can't afford to be skeptical right now. If there's even a chance, let's accept his offer."

Shao Yun paused. They didn't have any other leads. Rejecting this out of stubbornness wouldn't help—and might frustrate Lumine.

Worst case? Tartaglia's up to something shady and I'll just raze the Northland Bank to the ground.

He finally nodded and turned his gaze toward Tartaglia.

"Just so we're clear, we'll accept your commission—but that doesn't mean we trust you."

Tartaglia smiled, a gleam of appreciation in his eyes.

"I understand. Trust takes time. Let this be the start of our cooperation."

He was about to explain the details when someone approached quietly from behind.

A young man, strikingly elegant, walked over.

His features were sculpted, like the handiwork of a master artisan—each line filled with strength and beauty.

The young man nodded slightly and spoke in a calm, refined voice. "Mr. Childe, are these the friends you mentioned?"

Shao Yun's eyes fixed on the newcomer, internally startled.

Isn't this the retired old man? Morax himself? What's he doing here?

Seeing Zhongli arrive, Tartaglia's face lit up with a smile. He turned to the group.

"Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Zhongli, a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

He then turned to Zhongli. "Mr. Zhongli, these are the travelers from Mondstadt—Shao Yun, Paimon, and Lumine."

Zhongli's smile was gentle, his voice rich and soothing as a spring breeze.

"A pleasure to meet you all. I've heard many things about you from Childe."

His gaze fell on Lumine. "The golden-haired traveler who fought a dragon—your courage and wisdom are admirable."

Then he turned to Shao Yun, his expression even more approving. "And you, Mr. Shao Yun, as the Fatui's 'troubleshooter,' your valor has left a deep impression."

Shao Yun couldn't help but smile. Man's been alive for thousands of years—of course he knows how to talk. Or maybe the ones who didn't were all eliminated.

Paimon, noticing she hadn't been mentioned, waved frantically to catch his attention.

"What about me? Why aren't you saying anything about me?"

Zhongli observed the floating companion for a moment before speaking.

"The clever and charming Miss Paimon."

Paimon beamed, hands on hips. "Hehe, that's more like it!"

Shao Yun gave Zhongli a polite nod. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhongli. I'll take that as a compliment."

Tartaglia nodded in agreement, eyes full of approval. "For someone from Mondstadt, you are the Fatui's best problem-solver."

Shao Yun smirked. "Since we've got a guest here, I'll be nice and let you keep your Fatui pride."

After all, they were in Liyue. Best to give the local god some face.

Tartaglia waved it off. "No hard feelings."

He clapped his hands together. "Now then, I've booked a private room at the Liuli Pavilion, shall we—"

He didn't finish.

Paimon cut in sharply, "Wait! I don't get it—what exactly is this 'matter regarding the Geo Archon'?"

All eyes turned to her.

She turned to Zhongli with questioning eyes. "And why is a consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor coming to us? What does that have to do with the Archon?"

Zhongli replied steadily, "Indeed, it concerns the Geo Archon. I needed your help, so I asked Childe to act as a bridge between us."

Tartaglia added, "Mr. Zhongli and I have a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship. Our work with Wangsheng Parlor has always been smooth and cooperative."

Zhongli nodded and addressed the trio, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"I wouldn't ask for your help without offering something in return. I've heard you're searching for the Geo Archon and want to ask about him. I will do everything I can to answer your questions."

Tartaglia chimed in, "Mr. Zhongli is a scholar of vast knowledge. He knows Liyue's history and legends inside and out. I'm sure he can help you with anything about the Geo Archon."

Even as he spoke, Tartaglia's brow furrowed slightly in thought.

"Honestly, I'm surprised myself. I just mentioned you in passing, but Mr. Zhongli insisted on meeting you in person."

Shao Yun watched their coordinated exchange—smooth as a duet.

His mind drifted back to Wangshu Inn.

Maybe Xiao's prayer under the statue actually worked.

Guess it's good to be the Archon's favorite…

Meanwhile, Lumine's eyes were lit with hope as she clutched Shao Yun's sleeve.

"Is it true, Mr. Zhongli? Do you truly know everything about the past?"

Zhongli nodded slightly, his gaze profound as the ocean.

After a moment's thought, he replied, "Mr. Childe may have exaggerated. I wouldn't claim to know everything, but I do have some knowledge of the past."

Hearing that, Lumine's eyes glimmered with resolve. She held Shao Yun's sleeve tighter.

"This is my last hope. If he can help me find my brother, I don't care if it means working with the Fatui. You…"

Shao Yun felt her urgency and determination. He nodded.

"I understand. If Mr. Zhongli is willing to work with us, I won't stop you."

It was agreement in words, but the subtext was clear: I'm only accepting Zhongli's commission. I want nothing to do with the Fatui.

Tartaglia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk on his face.

He feigned ignorance and said casually, "Haha, then I'll just assume you've agreed to cooperate with the Fatui. Looking forward to it."

Shao Yun's brows furrowed. He wasn't about to let Tartaglia twist things.

He stepped forward and stared him down.

"Listen. You're just a messenger. I don't trust the Fatui, and that's not going to change. Got it?"

Despite the blunt words, Tartaglia's smile didn't waver. It was as if everything was proceeding according to plan. He waved dismissively, his voice full of confidence.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you do change your mind about us."

Shao Yun snorted and turned away.

"Over my dead body."

Unbothered, Tartaglia pointed toward the harbor.

"This isn't the best place for a chat. Let's go to Liuli Pavilion. That's where proper conversations happen."