The special mission was over.
Looking at the 200,000 points credited to his account, Su Han let out a sigh of relief.
He had originally planned to empty the group's savings, but now there was no need. With one more mission, he could redeem the Xuanyuan Sword.
He then claimed his reward.
[Ding! Congratulations to member Jean for completing the Special Multiverse Mission. As the Group Leader, this mission has generated an additional strategic reward: 40,000 Points.]
[Ding! Congratulations to member Jean for completing the Special Multiverse Mission. As the Group Leader, this mission has generated the primary strategic asset: Hell Blade: Sō'unga.]
[Hell Blade: Sō'unga]
[Description]: A dark weapon symbolizing death and the netherworld, representing the shadow side of all life. Even the Great Dog Demon was once cursed by it.
[Note]: This divine weapon has been purified and will not backlash against its master. However, its dark power can still subtly influence the mind. Only those with a strong will can master it.
[Skill: Dragon Twister]: Summons the power of hell, unleashing a terrifying shockwave or compressed sphere of destruction.
[Special: Gates of Hell]: Mastering this sword allows one to open the gates to the netherworld.
[Passive]: All undead below the demigod level will submit to the blade of Sō'unga.
"I didn't expect to get this weapon," Su Han murmured.
He took out Sō'unga. The blade was pitch black, radiating a silent, deadly aura. It was different from the one in the movie; the malevolent consciousness was gone, leaving only pure power.
I have Tessusaiga, so I don't need it. I'll save it for someone else.
At that moment, a message came from Jean.
Jean:Our busy man, do you have time to visit me today? I still have a divine weapon to give you...
Su Han:Uh... not today. Ayaka just arrived, so I have to show her around Liyue. Let's do tomorrow...
Jean:Alright. I look forward to your arrival tomorrow. I want to play the 'female knight' again...
Su Han chuckled. The once-aloof Dandelion Knight was becoming clingy.
Time passed. It was now 5 PM.
Ayaka, who had been sitting all day translating, was visibly tired.
"You must be tired. Rest for now. We can continue tomorrow," Su Han said.
"Yes, Mr. Su Han."
"Just Su Han is fine. 'Mr.' makes us sound like strangers."
"Yes... Su Han."
Ayaka smiled. He was just as approachable as Lady Guuji had said. Recalling Yae Miko's parting words—"Go and capture him, little girl"—her cheeks flushed. If it was Su Han... she wouldn't resist.
"By the way, since we have time, do you want me to show you around Liyue?"
"Really?" Ayaka's eyes lit up. She had always yearned to see this country. To have Su Han as a guide was a dream come true.
"Of course. I've been busy lately too. It's been a while since I walked around. Let's take Qiqi with us."
"Okay! Please wait a moment. I... I need to freshen up."
Ten minutes later, Ayaka appeared before Su Han and Qiqi, looking refreshed and radiant.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go."
The three of them walked out of the Jade Chamber and onto the streets.
It was evening, and Liyue Harbor was at its peak. The streets were bustling with people, lights, and noise.
"How... how can there be so many people? Is it a festival?" Ayaka asked, shocked.
"No... this is just daily life in Liyue. Stay close to me, or you might get lost," Su Han laughed.
Their first stop was a Su's Beverage Shop.
"This is Cola? It feels cold... I wonder how it tastes..."
"Try it."
Ayaka took a small sip. The fizzy, stimulating taste was a bit of a shock, but not unpleasant.
Qiqi, meanwhile, was drinking her favorite "Flaming Milk Tea," a hot drink Su Han had developed specifically for her cold constitution.
They continued walking until a rich, savory aroma wafted towards them.
Ayaka looked at the large pot at the entrance of a shop. "What is this? It smells so good... like hot pot, but different..."
Inside the pot were strange, unrecognizable chunks of meat.
Qiqi spoke up. "I know this... I ate it a few days ago. It's called 'Lu Zhu' (Stewed Offal). It's Big Brother Su Han's shop. It's made of animal intestines and internal organs. Very yummy."
"Intestines... and organs? Can... can you really eat that?"
For a noble lady like Ayaka, offal was something unthinkable. But the smell was undeniable.
"Let's go in and try. This is a unique flavor of Liyue. Many sailors and merchants love it," Su Han said, leading them inside.
Soon, three bowls of Lu Zhu were placed before them.
Ayaka held her chopsticks, hesitating.
"If you really don't want to eat it, it's fine. I can take you to Wanmin Restaurant later," Su Han offered.
"No..." Ayaka shook her head. "Since business is so good, it must be delicious. I am just trapped by my past limitations. Even Lady Guuji said I am smart but too bound by rules... I want to break out of my old self."
She closed her eyes, picked up a piece of intestine, and put it in her mouth.
She chewed.
It wasn't gross. It was rich, savory, and spicy. A perfect explosion of flavor.
"This... how can it be so good? There's no strange smell at all!" Ayaka opened her eyes, surprised.
"See? I told you it was good," Su Han laughed. "I understand why you might dislike it, just like Ningguang hates Golden Crab. But offal is just a snack. If prepared with care, it becomes a delicacy. Don't let prejudice stop you from trying new things."
"Mm. Thank you for your guidance."
Ayaka nodded earnestly. She realized that many of her preconceived notions were just that—prejudices born of isolation.
After the meal, Su Han took them on the Sea Train to the Artificial Island.
The underwater rooms, the train running on the ocean—everything was a marvel to Ayaka. She told Su Han more than once that this trip meant the world to her.
It was night when they returned to the Jade Chamber.
Suddenly, fireworks exploded in the sky.
Ayaka looked up at the blooming colors, then turned to Su Han. Is this... for me?
"Do you like it? This is a special welcome gift for you."
"I... I..."
Ayaka was so moved she couldn't speak.
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