The crowd gathered at Three-Way Mirror was naturally due to the presence of Rex Lapis.
Not only could people see the Geo Archon here, but they could also listen to Iron Tongue Tian's next new story together with him—truly killing two birds with one stone.
The pressure, however, fell entirely on Iron Tongue Tian.
The owner of Three-Way Mirror, on the other hand, was as frantic as an ant on a hot pan. So many people! So many people listening to the storytelling, yet not a single cup of tea bought!
Money! How much am I losing?! Though, if Rex Lapis weren't here, he wouldn't have earned this much to begin with. But now that the Geo Archon was here, this money should rightfully be his!
Iron Tongue Tian paid no mind to the owner's thoughts. He simply didn't want to disappoint Rex Lapis's expectations, so he poured 200% of his skill into narrating the next story.
The new book was about Shenhe. After a quick read, Iron Tongue Tian struck the storyteller's block.
"Now, this Shenhe—she was originally a child from a branch family of an exorcist clan. By a twist of fate, she became a disciple of the adepti."
"Nominally, she studied under Cloud Retainer, but due to her exceptional talent and comprehension, she also won the favor of several other adepti."
"Training under these adepti, she eventually mastered their arts despite her mortal form."
"Her aura was transcendent, every movement wreathed in an immortal's grace. At a glance, she was truly a celestial being beyond this world!"
"However... dwelling in seclusion among the mountains, with only the adepti and spiritual beasts for company, her personality grew increasingly detached over time."
"What, then, forged this mortal into a 'true immortal'? Listen closely as I unravel the tale!"
Iron Tongue Tian flicked open his folding fan, holding the book in one hand and waving the fan with the other.
"It is said that when Shenhe was but a child, her mother passed away when she was five. Her father, consumed by grief for his beloved wife, allowed resentment to fester in his heart—ah, this hatred birthed a demon, driving him to madness."
"Later, her father left, vanishing for an entire year. Only when Shenhe neared the age of wearing her hair up did he return."
"And with him, he brought back a mysterious art—'Life for Life'!"
Hearing this name, the audience broke into murmurs.
"'Life for Life'? Is he trying to revive his wife with this method? But would his wife even want that?"
"Exactly! How could she face Shenhe after coming back to life like that?"
They didn't yet know that Shenhe's father intended to use her life to reclaim his wife's.
Bang! The storyteller's block struck the table, silencing the crowd.
"This art required offering a sacrifice to the 'spirit' summoned by the forbidden technique, in exchange for the deceased's life."
"How could Shenhe have understood any of this? She was simply overjoyed at her father's return."
"Her father told her he had prepared a surprise for her in a cave on the back mountain and led her there to find it."
Iron Tongue Tian frowned—he knew what was coming next.
The crowd stayed silent, but their hearts were already cursing.
His tone turned eerie, lowering his voice as he emphasized each word: "Inside the cave... there was no surprise. Only a grotesque, black 'spirit,' its crimson eyes fixed solely on Shenhe!"
"In the blink of an eye! The monstrous creature opened its bloody maw, ready to devour Shenhe whole!!" His pace quickened.
"The young Shenhe had no time to think. Only one thought filled her mind."
"'I want to live! I don't want to die!'" Iron Tongue Tian's voice grew impassioned.
"Clutching the exorcist dagger her mother had left her, trembling yet resolute, she charged forward!"
"Days later, an adeptus, sensing the evil aura, ventured into the cave to investigate." He stressed the word investigate.
"Inside lay a little girl, exhausted, having not eaten a single grain of rice, on the verge of death." Iron Tongue Tian shook his head.
"Moved by pity and recognizing her talent and fate, the adeptus took her back to their abode, imparting wisdom with a touch to her crown."
"Thus, the Shenhe of today came to be."
"Truly—'A father's wicked strife invoked the divine, severing all ties to the mortal plane.'"
Iron Tongue Tian concluded this segment with his customary flair.
Now, recalling the tale of Divine Damsel of Devastation, the audience finally understood its deeper meaning.
The 'divine damsel' had not willingly drawn her sword—she was a victim, forced into it.
This didn't diminish their admiration for her courage. Instead, it fostered greater empathy.
The previous portrayal of the 'divine damsel' had been too godlike. Shenhe's story made her feel more human, more relatable.
Eager for the rest of the tale, the crowd fixed their eyes on Iron Tongue Tian.
He snapped his fan shut and declared, "To know what happens next—"
Before he could finish, a listener burst out:
"Dammit! Just finish the damn story! Oh shit—I can't believe I cursed in front of Rex Lapis! This is all your fault!"
"Yeah! The rest is right there in the book! Just read it!"
Iron Tongue Tian scratched his head. Oops—old habits die hard. He'd cliffhangered out of reflex, even though the story wasn't done.
"Ahem, let us continue with Shenhe's tale."
The following part detailed Shenhe's return to her hometown, only to find her mortal bonds long faded.
This segment didn't differ much from Divine Damsel of Devastation, though it was more detailed.
Then came her attempts to integrate into mortal society, hindered by her lack of common knowledge.
Only after hearing the full story did the audience nod in satisfaction.
Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling skills were top-notch, masterfully guiding the listeners' emotions—tense when needed, soothing when appropriate.
What Iron Tongue Tian narrated wasn't exactly as Lucian had written it. Lucian's original text included more internal monologues and narration.
But for oral storytelling, Iron Tongue Tian had to make selective adjustments to maintain rhythm and flow.
Storytelling and novels were different, after all.
Regardless, the crowd enjoyed it thoroughly, applauding enthusiastically.
"Damn, that was good!"
"Uh—ahem! Bravo! Rex Lapis, I don't usually swear."
At that moment, Shenhe happened to pass by Three-Way Mirror after delivering an order for Wanmin Restaurant.
She glanced at the lively crowd before silently walking on.
This was a bustling area, with people constantly coming and going. No one noticed the 'protagonist' of the story walking past them.
Cloud Retainer tucked the book away. "Shenhe… Ah, this Lucian truly writes well."
"Come to think of it, it's thanks to him that Shenhe has reintegrated into mortal society. This one ought to reward him…"
She pondered, struggling to think of what Lucian might need that she could provide.
"Hmph. This one shall simply ask him directly."
Once she knew what he wanted, with her inventive skills, there was nothing she couldn't create!
Beyond Liyue, people from other nations also read Shenhe's story—such as Arataki Itto, who had nothing better to do in his jail cell.
"That bastard of a father! This Arataki Itto's gonna beat him up!" The moment he was released, Itto roared, ready to charge off.
"Boss! Calm down!" Kuki Shinobu yanked him back. "That man's already dead—turned into a ghost! How are you gonna punch him?!"
"What?! This Arataki Itto won't allow him to become an oni!" Itto grew even angrier.
Turns out, Itto had been arrested again for resisting the Vision Hunt Decree. He'd just been reading the book in his cell—courtesy of the Gan, Wen, and Cui trio.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Shenhe: About Your Story
"My story? Hmm… You mean that book and Divine Damsel of Devastation? I like them both. Truly."