[Hu Tao: "Small issue."]
[Hu Tao sways left and right beside Xiangling: "Look, everyone. Xiangling, direct disciple of an adeptus, fellow partner of the God of the Stove, champion of the Moonchase Festival's King of Chefs showdown."]
In the illustration, Xingqiu, Venti, and Chongyun in the background clap together, even pressing their hands together to bow to Xiangling once.
The meaning is 'you take it quick, or it'll come to us next.'
[Hu Tao continues to hype: "Sole heir of the famous restaurant Wanmin Hall, one of this Hall Master's old friends—doesn't that qualify?"]
Hu Tao also unleashes the 'Great Desolate Prison Finger,' as if asking 'does that qualify'!
The readers have a realization. With Hu Tao summarizing like this, they only now realize that this little chef Xiangling has quite the extraordinary background!
With her putting it that way, it does seem to qualify.
Hu Tao the referee temporarily acts as Xiangling's coach, rallying encouragement.
Now Hu Tao really has become 'I'll assist you.'
The three spectators who love to stir things up clap wildly on the side, highlighting the fanning of flames.
[Xiangling hurriedly: "Stop, stop—you're making me blush!"]
["Then... if we're counting like that, isn't the second young master of Liyue Harbor's one of the largest guilds—the Feiyun Commerce Guild—esteemed enough?"]
Chongyun reacts the fastest. Before others can respond, he's already started clapping—that's a true bro!
Player Xiangling has finally launched an attack! Her target is Xingqiu, and the attack method is very direct: a right straight punch to the head! Commonly known as 'face-jumping.'
Such a straightforward attack—simple yet effective. Let's see how Player Xingqiu responds. Will he meet it head-on?
[Xingqiu exclaims in surprise: "Eh, don't suddenly drag me in!"]
This is!? Xingqiu directly 'rapidly shakes his head' to dodge Player Xiangling's 'fist.'
[Hu Tao: "Oh oh, not bad either. With the commerce guild young master lighting the incense, everyone will surely make a fortune next year."]
Eh eh? Why is the referee personally jumping in to hit someone? She's really assisting her?
Perhaps after acting as Player Xiangling's coach for a bit, she's gotten attached, and Hu Tao the referee actually lends a hand.
Facing the combined attack from the two, can Player Xingqiu still cope?
[Xingqiu: "That doesn't make sense!"]
["And while making a fortune is good, it's still not as important as health, safety, and joy."]
What a suave dodge! Player Xingqiu's head sensitivity is extremely high—even against the two's combined attack, he handles it with ease!
[Xingqiu continues: "So, it should be the exorcist Taoist Chongyun, who excels at warding evil and protecting everyone's homes and safety, who does it."]
Xingqiu claps while speaking. Anyway, whoever hits me, I hit Chongyun.
Player Xingqiu dodges while still punching at Player Chongyun—what peak technique!
One can only say, worthy of a merchant family: slick tongue, quick mind, strong adaptability on the spot!
Cough, disclaimer: This commentary hasn't taken any benefits from Feiyun Commerce Guild, so Feiyun Commerce Guild, please be proactive.
Back to the 'match.' Facing Player Xingqiu's sudden assault, how will Player Chongyun respond?
[Chongyun: "Ah? And my business too?"]
It looks like Player Chongyun didn't anticipate Player Xingqiu's sudden assault either—this strike was indeed too sudden!
["With the Great Sage Who Conquers Demons here, how could it possibly be my turn?"]
Wait! What's this!? Borrowing force to strike! Player Chongyun uses borrowing force to strike!
So the earlier actions were just playing dumb, to numb the enemy!
He directly sends Player Xingqiu's 'fist' right in front of Player Xiao!
Yes, when it comes to excelling at warding evil and protecting everyone's homes and safety, that is indeed Player Xiao's strong suit.
Could it be, could it be that all of this was within Player Chongyun's expectations?! This child is terrifyingly so!
But that's right too—he's often ambushed by Xingqiu, so he should be used to it long ago.
[Chongyun: "When it comes to seniority, among those present, only Immortal Xiao is an adeptus, so surely..."]
Player Chongyun, borrowing Player Xingqiu's momentum, wants to continue outputting!
[Xiao bluntly: "I refuse."]
This... this move is?
["I absolutely am not the most esteemed person present."]
This is... pure power! Player Xiao doesn't use technique; he's just purely powerful!
[Traveler: (Won't it be selecting Zhongli...)]
The Traveler thought Xiao was going to kick the ball back to Zhongli.
[Xiao continues: "With everyone's insight, you can surely discern."]
Player Xiao seems about to attack. He doesn't have much technique, but his power and speed are both A-rank. Can the attacked player take this strike?
[Xiao: "There is one person present who is acquainted with everyone."]
Hu Tao and the others cross their arms and look at the Traveler. Chongyun doesn't react at first, but after seeing everyone's gazes, he understands and looks at the Traveler half a beat late.
[Traveler: (...Hm?)]
[Paimon to the Traveler: "Ah, right oh. Though you this jerk always teases me, you do have good connections and know everyone!"]
Player Traveler seems to have triggered the talent 'Alertness'—she seizes the first move!
[Traveler: "No, a person like that isn't just me."]
["There's also you, Paimon."]
What do we see! Player Lumine actually directs the attack at the off-field audience Paimon?
This action isn't bullying a child—it's bullying a silly child, right?
But who made our match 'Fooling the Silliest One'? Hu Tao the referee doesn't blow the whistle, so it's not a foul—the match continues!
[Paimon: "Eh... eh!"]
["You mean, I'm the most esteemed guest here?"]
[Paimon scratches her head: "This is really sudden, ehehe..."]
Player Paimon not only doesn't notice the attack but even gets smug about it—very fitting for our match's goal. Looks like the champion is none other than her.
Having finally selected such a person, everyone naturally hypes her up wildly, coaxing Paimon's little face to flush red. Even the child is embarrassed by the excessive praise.
Amid everyone's exclamations and applause, Paimon dizzily lights the incense burner.
Now everyone's satisfied. They continue sitting to chat and drink tea, not dispersing until late into the night.
The banquet hosted by Lucian was the same. With the Lantern Rite ended and the story finished, everyone plans to head home—anyway, Lucian's covering transport.
"Hahaha, idiot flying little bitter melon, if it were this great me, I wouldn't be fooled like that. That move is useless!" Arataki Itto laughs loudly.
"You damn bull chucker! How dare you look down on me!" Paimon stamps her foot.
"Is that so, boss? You're right—after all, you're the oni king. Ordinary praise wouldn't work on you." Kuki Shinobu says.
Arataki Itto nods smugly, with smugness written all over his face. "Mm mm, Shinobu's right!"
"I think it does work on you." Kujou Sara's tone is icy cold.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice Line · Arataki Itto: About 'Discussing Heroes Over Brewed Wine'
"What does that mean, you Kujou turtle? Where exactly does it work on this great me!?"