Ficool

Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Stories from Other Worlds

After enjoying a simple yet distinctive breakfast of steamed buns and porridge in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's kitchen, Bai Mo picked up his manuscript, planning to find someone to help translate it.

However, before he could locate a translator, a figure appeared before him.

The person wore a hat adorned with the symbols of the universe, dressed in a classical outfit that blended a black-and-red Hanfu with a vintage tailcoat. The inner lining of the tailcoat was embroidered with彼岸花 (flowers of the other shore), symbolizing the afterlife, while the outer edges were decorated with chrysanthemums, representing mourning.

Her white stockings were embellished with plum blossoms, and her russet leather shoes were delicate and refined, giving her a lively and mischievous charm.

This was none other than Hu Tao, the 77th director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Upon seeing Bai Mo, Hu Tao immediately bounded over excitedly and asked, "Are you the Bai Yujing that Consultant Zhongli brought back last night? Your name sounds like Yujing Terrace. I heard you want to work at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

She sized him up. "You're tall and look pretty strong—seems like you'd be good at digging graves!"

Cough, cough.

Did I really join the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and not some tomb-raiding squad?

At the same time, Hu Tao noticed the stack of papers in Bai Mo's hands, though she couldn't understand a single word written on them.

"What's this?"

"Ah, Director Hu, this is the first volume of a novel I wrote last night. I was planning to find someone to translate it into Liyue's script so I can submit it to Wanwen Bookhouse for publication."

"Ooh, a novel!" Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What's it about? Can I take a look?"

Just then, Zhongli emerged from inside the funeral parlor, and Hu Tao immediately dragged him over.

"Hey, Zhongli, perfect timing! Out of everyone here, your calligraphy is the best. Bai Mo wants to publish a novel—can you help translate it?"

Hearing Hu Tao's request, Zhongli's curiosity was piqued, so unlike his usual habit of avoiding her, he walked over.

"As the director wishes, I'd be happy to assist. I'm also quite interested to see what kind of story Bai Mo has written."

"It's just a tale about cultivation and the human heart."

With the help of this esteemed figure, Bai Mo was naturally delighted. The three of them quickly found a table inside the funeral parlor, where Bai Mo narrated, Zhongli transcribed, and Hu Tao listened, thus beginning Zhu Xian's journey into this world.

Fifteen thousand words of dictation was neither too long nor too short.

But it still took five or six hours to complete. Zhongli had already gone through more than three brushes by the time the first volume was fully translated from Chinese to… well, Chinese.

Setting down his brush, Zhongli couldn't help but shake his head. "Dictating and transcribing like this has somewhat spoiled the fun of reading this book."

"Yeah, yeah!" Hu Tao, who hadn't left the entire time, chimed in. "Though the story is complete, the pacing was too fast. It's hard to savor the details!"

"The book is quite well-written, especially the 'Oath of Folly' in the final chapter."

"Spirits of the Nine Hells, gods and demons of all realms,

With my flesh and blood, I offer this sacrifice.

For three lives and seven generations, I shall fall into endless darkness,

Only for love's sake, I regret nothing even in death."

"Truly moving. But would anyone actually use such a curse?"

Hearing Hu Tao's question, Bai Mo nodded. "Since it's written, then yes, there must be."

"How wonderful~" Hu Tao's eyes were filled with longing. "If a woman were to use this 'Oath of Folly' for someone else, it would prove that, in her heart, that person is more important than her own soul's destruction!"

Seemingly moved by Hu Tao's words, Zhongli, who was holding the manuscript, seemed lost in reminiscence before softly reciting:

"Spirits of the Nine Hells, gods and demons of all realms,

With my flesh and blood, I offer this sacrifice.

For three lives and seven generations, I shall fall into endless darkness,

Only for love's sake, I regret nothing even in death."

"Right, Consultant Zhongli? You think this part is well-written too, don't you?"

"Indeed. It feels as though it could be a true story."

Zhongli's gaze, tinged with understanding of Bai Mo's origins, held a probing curiosity.

Bai Mo didn't hide anything and replied directly, "A single flower is a world, a single leaf is enlightenment. Perhaps the world in this book is something that has happened in another world?"

"Is that so?" Zhongli sighed, as if comprehending something. "The book is excellent, and I look forward to its continuation."

"If you plan to submit it to Wanwen Bookhouse, I'll accompany you. I have some connections there."

"Great!" Hu Tao exclaimed happily. "Once the book is published, you have to give me a copy first! Listening to it in bits and pieces wasn't enough—I want to read it properly from the beginning!"

"Of course. A good book deserves to be savored slowly."

Afterward, under Zhongli's guidance, Bai Mo went to Wanwen Bookhouse to discuss the publication details.

Since it was his first book, the publisher, though impressed, opted for a flat-rate royalty agreement.

They offered 100,000 Mora upfront for the novel, with the condition that if sales exceeded 20,000 copies, Bai Mo would receive an additional 20 Mora per extra copy sold.

This was already the most generous deal a new author could get, especially with Zhongli's influence. Future terms would depend on the book's performance.

On the way back to the funeral parlor, Zhongli seemed to remember something and pulled a yellowish crystal from his pocket, handing it to Bai Mo.

"This fell from you earlier. It must be yours."

Looking at the Geo Vision in his hand, Bai Mo had countless things he wanted to say—but all of them stuck in his throat.

As expected of you, Morax!

----------

T/N:

Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]

You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!

More Chapters