Chapter 87: Xingqiu and Albedo

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******

"Oh right, fans of this humble director can get an additional 20% off—hee hee!" With a chuckle, Hu Tao promptly ended the live stream.

In truth, she had no choice but to cut it short since someone required the expertise of a professional team.

***

"Next, we need to prepare the incense for the Divine Ceremony!" Zhongli looked at the two companions and calmly stated.

At Scent of Spring...

"...Guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories! Oh, isn't that Mr. Zhongli? Seeking some fresh excitement..." Ying'er teased, smiling as she observed Zhongli.

"Zhong...Zhongli, this place seems rather inappropriate!" Paimon whispered discreetly to Lumine, tugging her sleeve.

Lumine, puzzled, glanced at Paimon, wondering what kind of establishment they had entered.

"Cough, cough, our purpose here is to request your assistance in preparing several types of incense for the Divine Ceremony!" Zhongli cleared his throat and shook his head.

"Of course, no problem!" Ying'er nodded with a smile.

Subsequently, Lumine went to gather the necessary flowers.

"Preparing the incense requires specific techniques." Ying'er watched Lumine, offering guidance with a grin.

"First, hold the mortar with one hand, then place the flowers inside..." Ying'er's face beamed while instructing Lumine, as Zhongli stood patiently outside.

Seizing the opportunity, Paimon intended to answer fan questions but was met with a notification upon entering the live stream:

[Obscene and vulgar content detected in your live stream. Your channel has been suspended!]

Paimon was momentarily speechless, yet thankfully, the received gifts could still be converted into Mora for withdrawal.

Sneakily flying to a corner, Paimon whispered softly, "Sweet Madame Chicken."

Instantly, Mora materialized seemingly out of thin air. Seeing Lumine engrossed in learning, Paimon swiftly stuffed the Mora under her shoe with a pleased grin.

***

In Mondstadt's Dragonspine Mountains, Xingqiu shivered uncontrollably inside a tent. The faint glow from the lit campfire provided just a hint of warmth.

He had become engrossed in reading a novel near the base of the mountain when his phone suddenly ran out of battery. Lin Feng hadn't taught him how to charge it yet, so he decided to head to Mondstadt in search of Teacher Bai E.

However, in his haste, he slipped and fell into a river. As he climbed out, drenched and chilled by the icy water, he felt utterly miserable.

"Despite my chivalrous deeds, have I truly reached such a pitiful state?" Xingqiu murmured helplessly.

At that moment, a figure approached him. Observing Xingqiu, they calmly asked, "Who are you? What brings you here?"

Albedo eyed Xingqiu; few ventured into this snowy terrain. From Xingqiu's appearance, it was evident he hailed from Liyue.

"Hmm... I'm on my way to Mondstadt to find someone. Accidentally slipped into the freezing river, grateful for your assistance, brave warrior." With these words, Xingqiu mustered his strength, standing up and bowing respectfully towards Albedo.

"Uh..." Albedo didn't quite understand Xingqiu's gesture, but nonetheless, he decided to rescue him.

Albedo slapped his hand onto the ground, summoning a Geo construct beneath Xingqiu, lifting him into the air.

With astonished eyes, Xingqiu watched as Albedo walked ahead, and the Geo construct carrying him followed closely behind.

"Apologies for my rudeness; I haven't yet asked your name, brave warrior!" Xingqiu weakly questioned, looking at Albedo.

"Albedo!" Without turning back, Albedo's calm voice reached Xingqiu's ears.

"Oh! My humble self is Xingqiu from Liyue's Guhua Clan!" Xingqiu nodded promptly, introducing himself.

"Aha!" Albedo responded mildly, acknowledging the introduction. Xingqiu was by far the most talkative person he had encountered.

Soon, they arrived at Albedo's campsite filled with various alchemical instruments - none of which Xingqiu recognized. Had these been props from storybooks, he might have been able to identify them.

Ignoring Xingqiu, Albedo took out his phone and opened an app called "Alchemy Station."

Indeed, it was an application that Albedo had researched and developed himself. For someone as brilliant as Albedo, creating such tools was remarkably effortless.

Seeing Albedo's phone, Xingqiu promptly pulled out his own device and, feeling somewhat embarrassed, asked Albedo:

"Sir, could you please help me check what's wrong with my phone?"

"You can call me Albedo, no need for formalities!" Albedo replied, turning around to take Xingqiu's phone nonchalantly.

"Oh, Al...bedo!" Xingqiu nodded but found it awkward to pronounce; after all, names like that were unheard of in Liyue.

"Hmm..." Within moments, Albedo reached a conclusion.

He placed the phone against his Vision momentarily, then pressed the power button, causing the screen to light up as expected.

"Yes... It was just out of battery. You can recharge at anchor points on the map or perhaps using your Vision..." Albedo explained while glancing at Xingqiu's Vision.

"Th-thank you!" Xingqiu scratched his head sheepishly before picking up his phone to operate it again.

"Phew... That's a relief!" Xingqiu sighed, grateful that the novel he had been reading earlier was still accessible.

Immediately, he took out his phone, preparing to call Teacher Calx and inquire if they could provide illustrations for his novel.

Soon, Albedo's phone began ringing.

"Y-you're Teacher Bai E?" Xingqiu asked, looking at Albedo with surprise.

He found it hard to believe; considering Albedo appeared to be solely focused on alchemy, how could they have the energy to create such flawless illustrations?

Moreover, he had encountered numerous alchemists before, but most of them were balding or completely bald.

"Hmm, what do you mean?" Albedo looked back at Xingqiu, puzzled about how he knew his phone number.

"Wonderful! It's truly an honor to meet you, Teacher Bai E!" Xingqiu exclaimed, visibly excited.

Teacher Bai E was renowned across Teyvat, unlike himself, a struggling writer.

"Do you need something from me?" Albedo couldn't help but ask, observing Xingqiu's enthusiasm.

Xingqiu then presented his request for illustrations, and after reading through Xingqiu's novel briefly, Albedo agreed.

***

Yanfei was pursuing a group of Abyss Order members, seemingly over some connection with a smartphone.

"Hmph, how long do you plan to tail us? We've already left Liyue!" An Abyss Mage turned around and sneered at Yanfei.

"You stole a management phone—what exactly is your purpose? This violates Liyue's laws!" Yanfei glared at the Abyss Mage, letting out a cold snort.

"Oh... ha ha! As a legalist, do you really think you can meddle in affairs of the Abyss Order?" The Abyss Mage clutched its chest, bursting into laughter.