Su's Instant Noodles had become an absolute sensation.
After the execution of the Fatui and the Treasure Hoarders, the entire Liyue Harbor now understood that the wildly popular noodles were his creation.
Inside Wanmin Restaurant, customers were buzzing about the day's events.
"We'd better stock up on those instant noodles! Ever since Lord National Treasure appeared, our lives have been getting better and better."
"Isn't that the truth! Since these noodles appeared, my family's expenses have dropped by a tenth!"
"And what's more, after executing so many Treasure Hoarders, I bet those scoundrels won't dare to show their faces outside anymore."
"Absolutely! The captain of the Millelith announced it. From now on, if any Treasure Hoarders dare to cause trouble, they will be killed without mercy! No matter where the enemy is, as long as they are within Liyue's borders, they will not be allowed to survive."
"That ruthless?"
Many people were taken aback. When had Liyue become so iron-fisted?
And were there really that many Millelith to enforce it?
The man who was speaking smirked coldly. "You think yesterday's business was all the work of Treasure Hoarders? Don't be ridiculous. That bunch of petty thieves wouldn't dare attack a close subordinate of Lady Ningguang. The ones whose identities weren't announced? They were probably Fatui."
Hearing this, the other patrons drew in a sharp breath.
Good heavens. They had been wondering why some of the executed had been stripped down to a single strip of cloth.
So they were Fatui!
At that moment, a customer sitting with him sighed. "It's good to clean up these menaces. Otherwise, you can't even leave the city without being afraid of something happening. Yesterday, when I heard about the attack on Su's Instant Noodles and Lady Ningguang's secretary, I didn't even dare to leave the city walls. I was afraid I'd be kidnapped, too."
"Tell me about it."
"But from now on, we don't have to be afraid. Those Treasure Hoarders have no way out now."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
And the customer who had been speaking all along revealed a mysterious smile.
He put down his money, moved to a different spot, and continued to spread the story.
Near the Guyun Stone Forest, Beidou's ship, The Alcor, was anchored.
She was here because a Treasure Hoarder boss had secretly contacted her.
"Sister Beidou, could you please put in a good word with Lady Ningguang for me? Yesterday's incident was all that fool Phil's doing! It had absolutely nothing to do with me or the people I lead!"
The portly Treasure Hoarder boss, Carmen, looked at Beidou with a sycophantic smile.
He had come as soon as he heard the news from the city, hoping she could help them find a way to survive.
After all, life wasn't easy for anyone.
Watching him push a large bag of Mora towards her, Beidou let out a contemptuous laugh and shook her head.
"Carmen, in the past, we left you Treasure Hoarders alone because Ningguang couldn't be bothered to deal with you, and she didn't have the manpower to manage you. But things are different now. This time, the order came from the National Treasure himself. Your people have made him furious. No one's words can help you now."
"What? It really was him? This is terrible." Carmen's face turned pale.
He had only heard of the mysterious Lord Su Han. About half a month ago, he had gained the recognition of Rex Lapis and become Liyue's National Treasure.
But he never expected the man to wield real power, power that even Ningguang could not interfere with.
What were they supposed to do now? If they left Liyue, where would they go?
"Sister Beidou, we go way back… is there really no room for negotiation?"
"Right now, there might be one opportunity, but it all depends on whether you can seize it."
Carmen's eyes lit up. "Please, tell me!" he said hastily.
"Liyue will no longer tolerate the existence of Treasure Hoarders. However, I hear that gentleman is short on sailors. If you are willing, I can help make an introduction. But whether he will accept you or not is another matter entirely."
"This…" Carmen hesitated.
To voluntarily turn himself in and, on top of that, work for someone else, naturally didn't sit well with him.
But on second thought, the other side's attitude left no room for turning back.
They had even killed the Fatui who had hired them. It was clear how terrifyingly ruthless this Lord was.
"This is your only chance, and my time is very valuable. If you don't want it, fine. Evacuate Liyue within three days. Otherwise, I don't know what will happen to you," Beidou said, not bothering to waste any more words with him. She turned as if to leave.
Seeing this, Carmen hurriedly shouted, "Sister Beidou, we're willing! We're willing to become Lord Su Han's subordinates! Please, give us a way to live!"
"Hmph. That's more like it. Go. I'll give you one day. Tomorrow morning, go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs and find Miss Yelan. She will handle everything. Mention my name when you get there. They won't give you any trouble."
"Yes! Thank you, Sister Beidou! Thank you, Sister Beidou!"
Carmen wiped the sweat from his forehead, but his heart was filled with relief.
Regardless of the outcome, at least from now on, he would have a legitimate identity.
Perhaps he wouldn't be as free, but with such a decisive and ruthless person in charge, maybe Liyue would become a better place.
After boarding her ship, Beidou sent a message to the group chat.
Beidou:It's done. Carmen's Treasure Hoarder crew has chosen to join Liyue's side. We can begin phase two.