Early the next morning, the Qixing of Liyue gathered for a meeting to discuss Akira.
Seeing everyone present, Keqing, the Yuheng, spoke impatiently, "Ningguang, if you have something to say, get on with it. I'm busy with tasks today and don't have time to waste here."
"Yuheng, please remain calm," Ningguang said with a composed tone.
"Since everyone is here, I'll keep it brief," Ningguang continued. "I'm sure everyone saw the terrifying tsunami last night."
"That was the result of a battle between Rex Lapis and a god," Ningguang said gravely. "And that god is now in Liyue."
"What? That tsunami was caused by that?" Kaiyang, the Kaiyang Star, exclaimed. "Rex Lapis...?"
"Don't worry. Rex Lapis has assured me that this god is a friend of his. Their battle was merely a friendly spar."
"A friendly spar? And it nearly destroyed Liyue! Is this how gods think?" Keqing snorted coldly.
"Yuheng! Do not speak carelessly of the gods," Tianxuan, the Tianxuan Star, frowned. "Didn't the god step in to resolve the issue?"
"Tianxuan is right," Ningguang nodded. "Last night, Rex Lapis issued a divine decree, instructing us to treat this god with the utmost hospitality and ensure he enjoys his stay in Liyue."
"This god's name is Akira. He arrived in Liyue yesterday aboard the Crux Fleet. I'll provide you with his description later. If you encounter him, please show the proper respect," Ningguang said.
"Wait!" Keqing suddenly raised her voice, looking at Ningguang. "What did you say his name was?"
"Akira," Ningguang repeated.
"So it's him," Keqing thought of the handsome young man she had met yesterday. She gritted her teeth. So he's a god. No wonder he gave me that strange look when I questioned the gods.
Keqing felt like a fool, having questioned a god in his presence.
"Yuheng, do you know him?" Ningguang asked with a frown.
"Yes, of course I know him," Keqing bit her lip and said angrily.
"..." Ningguang looked at Keqing's expression and frowned slightly. "Yuheng, I understand your views and beliefs. You've questioned Rex Lapis, but he is magnanimous and loves his people. However, you must show proper respect to a foreign god."
"Antagonizing a god is nothing but foolishness."
"Of course I know that," Keqing glared at Ningguang. "I didn't do anything out of line. In fact, we're practically friends! Why are you lecturing me?"
"Hmph, Akira isn't as serious as you all think. He's a very approachable god," Keqing snorted. "If that's all, I'll take my leave."
With that, Keqing turned and walked away without looking back.
"The Yuheng said she's friends with Akira?" Kaiyang said in disbelief. "Would a god really be friends with a human?"
"I know Keqing. She wouldn't make such a claim without reason," Ningguang waved her hand. "In any case, please remember what I've said."
In a Liyue inn.
"Ah~" Akira woke up and looked at the stunning beauty lying beside him, feeling deeply satisfied. Kitsune Saiguu had given herself to him completely, and he now had a second fox lady by his side.
"Akira, you're awake?" Kitsune Saiguu rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up, the blanket slipping to reveal her beautiful figure.
"Yeah," Akira pulled the fox lady into his arms and mischievously began to tease her.
"Ah~ no more! It hurts~" Kitsune Saiguu looked at him pitifully and whined.
"Akira, what are your plans for today?" Kitsune Saiguu asked.
"Tm planning to visit the Ministry of Civil Affairs later. Yae Miko prepared some Sea Ganoderma and a letter for Ganyu. I'll deliver them to her," Akira said.
"Then go ahead. I don't feel like going out today! You're such a beast!" Kitsune Saiguu yawned and burrowed back into the blanket, wrapping herself tightly. She planned to stay in bed all day!
"Alright, I'll be off then." Akira leaned down and gently kissed Kitsune Saiguu's rosy lips before leaving the room.
After having a quick meal downstairs and buying some breakfast, Akira brought it back to the room.
Kitsune Saiguu was already fast asleep, her stunningly beautiful face still carrying a hint of blush and contentment. Akira placed the breakfast on the table, used his spatial powers to keep it warm, and quietly closed the door as he left.
Walking through the streets of Liyue, Akira casually stopped a passerby to ask for directions to the Ministry of Civil Affairs and then headed there.
Before he had walked for more than a few minutes, a petite figure suddenly blocked his path.
Akira looked down and saw a young girl, her face brimming with youthful energy. She was slender and delicate, with eyes that resembled blooming plum blossoms.
She wore a traditional hat adorned with a bright plum flower, giving her a mischievous and lively appearance. The only flaw was that her chest was as flat as a board! At sixteen, she had none of the curves a girl should have. Look at Yoimiya, she's developed so well!
"Hey! A new face!" Hu Tao greeted him cheerfully. "Hello there, I'm Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Interested in learning about our services?"
"Hmm..." Akira rubbed his chin and looked at the girl. "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? The name doesn't sound very auspicious."
"Don't say that! Life, death, and the balance of yin and yang are all part of the natural order," Hu Tao shook her head and retorted.
"So, according to you, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor deals with the dead?" Akira raised an eyebrow and smiled at Hu Tao.
"Mhm, that's right," Hu Tao nodded eagerly. "So, are you interested in learning more?"
"Not really. I'm still young," Akira chuckled, enjoying teasing the girl.
"Don't say that! Everyone's time will come eventually," Hu Tao said with a grin. "Why not prepare in advance? Our coffins are sturdy and durable, lasting for centuries without decay."
"..." Akira finally understood why people often chased Hu Tao away.
"And right now, we're having a big sale! Buy one, get one free! The more you buy, the more you save. Plus, we'll throw in a century-old wooden coffin for free!"
"Sounds like a great deal," Akira pretended to think for a few minutes.
Seeing Akira deep in thought, Hu Tao was surprised. Usually, people would have shooed her away by now. This guy is quite the odd one!
However, under Hu Tao's expectant gaze, Akira soon asked, "But what if I never die?"
As the Herrscher of Rebirth, Akira was an immortal being, and he could even grant immortality to those around him.
"Huh?" Hu Tao was stunned. She hadn't expected Akira to say that.