Too embarrassed to ask Acting Grand Master Jean for money directly, the Traveler and his companion officially began taking commissions from the Adventurers' Guild, desperately earning Mora to repay their debt.
"Why are that guy's flyers everywhere!?" Paimon exclaimed, stomping her feet at the sight of familiar flyers stacked on Katheryne's counter.
But Aether's attention was caught instead by a book beside the flyers, titled Memories of the Snowy Land.
This was part of Jiang Bai and Hu Tao's marketing strategy.
They had placed copies of the book at the Adventurers' Guild branches in both Mondstadt and Liyue, allowing adventurers to read it for free, alongside stacks of flyers. Anyone finishing the book would instantly know Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services, effectively drawing customers.
Although most adventurers in Mondstadt now knew of this unique service, very few of them genuinely needed it—or could afford it.
"What's this?" Aether noticed Jiang Bai's name listed as the author.
"It's a free-to-read book about Dragonspine," Katheryne explained with a smile.
Ever since the book was released, the number of adventurers heading to Dragonspine had significantly increased. Many sought to follow the same paths as Cartis had, hoping to witness the ancient kingdom's remnants for themselves.
Even the base camp at Dragonspine's foot had grown lively. Savvy merchants quickly set up inns and shops, transforming what was previously a modest-sized camp into a bustling outpost.
Aether took a seat nearby, quietly flipping through the pages at a steady pace.
By the time he turned the final page, his eyes shone brightly with curiosity.
"Paimon, let's visit Dragonspine too!"
---
Upon returning to his own yard, Jiang Bai immediately checked on his beloved sweet flowers.
Thankfully, sweet flowers were hardy plants. Even after being left untended for some time, they were thriving. Though they weren't yet blooming, the little buds looked promising.
Observing each delicate bud, Jiang Bai felt like a proud father, eagerly awaiting the blossoms.
Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips. "I came by several times to water them while you were gone, you know. Don't you think your director deserves some thanks?"
"Director is the best! Long live Director Hu!" Jiang Bai threw his hands up cheerfully.
"That's it?"
"I'll redouble my efforts and work diligently, spreading Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's reputation far and wide across Teyvat!"
"Yeah right, as if I'll believe that…" Hu Tao rolled her eyes.
He'd only completed one actual assignment so far—what nerve he had to promise greater efforts!
Though, truthfully, they had recently gained a few new clients for the "Returning to the Roots" package, so maybe there was something to his boasts.
"Just focus on recovering. I'll have Uncle Ge bring you dinner later," Hu Tao said, turning to leave.
She needed to speak with Ningguang, informing her about the situation in Mondstadt so that Liyue could prepare in advance.
Once Hu Tao had left, Jiang Bai wheeled himself into his room, unable to shake a nagging feeling that he'd forgotten something important, though he couldn't recall exactly what.
…
Hu Tao stepped onto the Jade Chamber's floating platform. Slowly ascending through the sky, the sunset cast golden hues across the clouds. From high above, she gazed down—everyone below seemed as tiny as ants.
Ningguang's secretary, Baishi, greeted Hu Tao politely and escorted her to the reception room.
"Lady Ningguang is still busy. Please wait a moment."
"No rush, I'll wait here."
Baishi refilled Hu Tao's tea before excusing herself to resume work.
As Hu Tao sipped her tea, she casually examined the lavish decorations around her. Ningguang truly deserved her reputation as Liyue's wealthiest—every ornament in the room appeared priceless.
After a brief wait, Ningguang gracefully appeared, gently seating herself beside Hu Tao.
Looking inquisitively at Hu Tao, she asked softly, "Director Hu, what brings you here so suddenly?"
"One of my employees was recently in Mondstadt and witnessed some notable incidents. Though the Qixing will surely find out soon enough, I thought it best to notify you early..."
Hu Tao succinctly summarized Mondstadt's dragon crisis, the monster attacks, and the Fatui's schemes targeting the Archon's power, carefully omitting details about the Anemo Archon's [Gnosis].
Though Ningguang wielded considerable authority in Liyue, matters related to the [Gnosis] were highly sensitive. Hu Tao merely advised caution regarding the Fatui's potential threat towards Rex Lapis, urging the Qixing to remain vigilant.
"So much has happened in Mondstadt..." Ningguang murmured, visibly surprised.
She had her own intelligence network, but the great distance between Liyue and Mondstadt inevitably delayed information. Many of these events hadn't yet reached her.
Curiosity piqued, Ningguang examined Hu Tao thoughtfully. "Based on your account, these events occurred very recently. Out of personal curiosity, may I ask how Director Hu received this information? Of course, if you'd prefer not to say, that's perfectly fine."
Liyue's vast lands and considerable distance from other nations severely limited the speed of communication, making rapid intelligence gathering difficult.
"It's no secret. I was fortunate enough to obtain a communication device bestowed by the adepti."
Hearing this, Ningguang quietly felt disappointed. Adeptal artifacts weren't easily obtained. While Yelan once had a pair of communication bracelets, one had been lost, rendering them useless.
Still, Ningguang planned to ask Yelan to investigate the Fatui's activities in Liyue as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Yelan was currently in Snezhnaya—too far away to respond quickly.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Director Hu. I'll see to it promptly."
After stepping out onto the Jade Chamber's terrace, Hu Tao stretched lazily, gazing out over Liyue Harbor bathed in moonlight.
With Ningguang now informed, Hu Tao felt reassured. If the Fatui moved suspiciously, Ningguang would surely notice immediately.
She unfurled her glider and soared gracefully downwards.
…
Early the next morning, upon hearing of Jiang Bai's return—and his injuries—Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Xiangling gathered eagerly at his yard.
The usually quiet yard soon became lively with chatter.
"How'd you injure your legs?" Xingqiu asked, unfolding his fan as he glanced curiously at Jiang Bai's heavily bandaged legs.
"A Fatui Harbinger did it…" Jiang Bai sighed deeply.
It felt like soon everyone would know he'd been beaten up by a Fatui Harbinger.
"A Fatui Harbinger?" The trio exchanged bewildered looks, unaware of the details.
"What exactly happened?"
Seated casually with her legs crossed, Hu Tao idly munched on a Sunsettia, summarizing succinctly: "To put it simply, this guy was playing hero in Mondstadt. Unfortunately, he wasn't strong enough and got thoroughly schooled."