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"Chiyu? Xiaofeilian?"
"Xue Qinghe," the cat girl, and Paimon were all momentarily stunned before their eyes lit up.
Though they didn't understand the meaning behind the names, they sounded beautiful, didn't they?
"A white cat, pure as jade, about a foot in length—hence, Chiyu."
"As for Xiaofeilian…"
"That's another way to describe it."
"Miss, if you like them, you may choose one of these two names."
Zhongli spoke calmly, his expression serene. Originally, he had considered naming this stubborn girl "Keqing."
But after glancing at Paimon, he dismissed the thought.
Keqing was Keqing—one of the Qixing of Liyue in Teyvat, a determined young woman who tirelessly worked for the prosperity of her homeland.
As for Chiyu and Xiaofeilian, these were names from another "hometown" of his, referring to white cats.
Hearing this, the cat girl's eyes sparkled. Both names were lovely, as if belonging to an immortal fairy…
"Can… can I have both?"
The cat girl lifted her head, looking at Zhongli with hopeful eyes.
She truly adored both names—this was the first time someone had given her a name.
And this person was also her savior.
She believed Paimon's words and understood that it was out of compassion that Paimon had bid for her, rescuing her from suffering.
But she wasn't foolish. She could tell at a glance who held the highest authority among the three.
If Zhongli hadn't wanted to save her, would Paimon's words have mattered?
Besides, who said a person could only have one name?
Seeing the complexity in the cat girl's gaze—gratitude, anticipation, and a longing for a brighter future—Zhongli paused before nodding.
His divine name was Morax. "Zhongli" was merely one of the many aliases he used while walking the mortal world.
Having two names wasn't an issue.
"Then your surname shall be Xiao, your given name Feilian, and your courtesy name Chiyu. How does that sound?"
Zhongli said this without changing his expression.
He rather admired this stubborn cat girl, appreciating her unyielding spirit.
Even in the auction house, she had retained her soul, unbroken by those who sought to change her.
Such a person, once freed from suffering, might achieve great things in the future.
"Thank you, my lord!"
The cat girl's face brightened with joy as she quickly replied, "From now on, my name is Xiao Feilian, courtesy name Chiyu!"
She didn't fully understand the meaning of "courtesy name: Chiyu," but if Zhongli said it, there must be a reason, right?
At this moment, Chiyu's wariness toward Zhongli vanished entirely. How could someone who gave her a name be a bad person?
It was worth noting that many commoners lacked surnames. For example, Old Jack wasn't surnamed "Jack"—it was simply his given name.
Commoners with surnames likely had ancestors who were nobles or spirit masters!
"My lord…"
Suddenly, Chiyu knelt and kowtowed three times.
Zhongli did not avoid the gesture—this bow, he could accept.
"My lord and Paimon's life-saving grace is something Chiyu can never repay. In this lifetime, I am willing to serve as your slave or maid without the slightest complaint."
Hearing this, Paimon was at a loss. This was the first time she had encountered such a situation.
What did "can never repay" mean? Willing to be a slave or maid?
Hadn't they saved her precisely to free her from servitude?
If they took her in as a slave… how would they be any different from those nobles?
Paimon's thoughts were simple—she didn't consider other implications.
Spending hundreds of thousands of gold soul coins just to buy a slave or maid?
Clearly, the situation wasn't that straightforward.
Zhongli stroked his chin, pondering for a moment before helping Chiyu up.
"Considering you have no home to return to, you may temporarily stay at my residence as a maid. If you one day develop a skill or wish to leave, you may do so freely."
If they left her alone, she might soon end up back in the auction house or captured by some noble.
Since they had saved her, they might as well see it through. It was just an extra mouth to feed, after all.
Tears streamed down Chiyu's cheeks as she raised her head, committing Zhongli's face to memory, engraving it in her mind and heart.
"Thank you, my lord!"
The cat girl Xiao Feilian—also known as Xiao Chiyu or simply Chiyu—had found a happy resolution to her plight.
Many auction house staff watched with envy.
This was a Titled Douluo!
To serve such a figure would be an honor worth dying for.
The four of them left the auction house under the gazes of the staff.
At the same time, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin also stepped out.
"Teacher, Sword Douluo, Your Excellency."
"Xue Qinghe" was the first to greet Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin with a cupped-hand salute.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin nodded in acknowledgment, unsurprised.
"Xue Qinghe" had always been meticulous about etiquette.
The two men were unfazed, but Xiao Wu was anything but calm.
So this old man who had been eyeing her was actually a Titled Douluo!
Xiao Wu wanted to cry. After finally managing to go out with Tang San, she had run into not one, but two Titled Douluos.
What luck…
It seemed she wouldn't be leaving today.
Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San, her eyes filled with reluctance, but she said nothing.
Tang San was equally shocked. He had never imagined these two held such lofty statuses!
The Crown Prince's teacher?
He had met "Xue Qinghe" before—there had even been some conflict between them.
Sword Douluo, Your Excellency?
In the entire Douluo Continent, who else could be addressed as such?
The identities of these two were unmistakable.
Ning Fengzhi, the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School!
Chen Xin, the school's Grand Elder!
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
"Xue Qinghe" respected them, and they, in turn, had to show respect to "Xue Qinghe." Why?
Because "Xue Qinghe" was honoring his teacher and venerating the strong.
But he was also the Crown Prince!
Even if they didn't bow, they still had to address him as "Your Highness."
Even if Ning Fengzhi was "Xue Qinghe's" teacher, the protocol remained.
"Greetings, Lord Zhongli."
Ning Fengzhi cupped his hands toward Zhongli.
Chen Xin, meanwhile, gave Zhongli a nod as a form of greeting.
"It has been over half a month since we last met, yet Sect Master Ning remains as distinguished as ever."
Zhongli returned the gesture, his expression unchanged.
"Lord Zhongli was absent from Heaven Dou City for some time. I found myself missing your presence."
After the pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi studied Chiyu briefly and remarked, "This young lady is quite fortunate to have the opportunity to accompany a Douluo and listen to your wise words…"
Zhongli: "…"
Ning Fengzhi's words were smooth and flawless, leaving no room for offense.
It was hard not to feel goodwill toward him.
Ning Fengzhi was about to say more when Chen Xin's lips moved slightly, as if sending a voice transmission.
In an instant, Ning Fengzhi's expression shifted, his pupils contracting.
He glanced subtly at Xiao Wu, then seemed to recall something and looked at Zhongli again.
Seeing that Zhongli hadn't turned his attention to Xiao Wu, Ning Fengzhi relaxed slightly.
If they had to compete with this man, even if they won, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would suffer greatly.
"Sect Master Ning, Elder Chen Xin, we were just about to dine at the Seven Treasure Hotel. Would you care to join us?"
"No—"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 100 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.