Chapter 64. The Disappointed Hu Tao
"The seventy-seventh Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, together with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Consultant, hereby pays respects to the Adeptus."
At this moment, Hu Tao was directly pulling Zhongli along, clearly intending to bow together before Cloud Retainer.
Within Liyue, anyone who understood even a little of its history held immense respect toward the Adeptus.
Even those unfamiliar with history would inevitably hear stories from elders during festivals, or learn of the illuminated beasts during Lantern Rite celebrations.
There were also the storytellers scattered throughout the harbor, the singers at teahouses, and the annual Rite of Descension.
All of these ensured that every citizen of Liyue knew of the Adeptus's existence.
Not to mention an organization like Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, whose inheritance stretched all the way back to the Archon War itself.
As the current Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao naturally understood such etiquette better than ordinary people.
Therefore, her respect toward Cloud Retainer was entirely sincere.
As for Zhongli—
Hu Tao could ignore others, but she absolutely had to make him bow together with her.
After all, he was the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Consultant.
As the Director, she might not be able to manage everyone else, but she certainly had to manage her own consultant properly.
Thus, Zhongli was helplessly dragged along by Hu Tao as she prepared to bow toward Cloud Retainer.
A faint smile appeared on Zhongli's face, as though he did not think this matter was particularly significant.
After all, he was currently "Zhongli," not the Geo Archon Morax.
Since he had already chosen retirement, then naturally he had to gradually adapt himself to the role of an ordinary mortal and fully integrate into his current identity as Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant.
However—
While Zhongli himself thought so, the others present clearly did not.
At this moment, only Futsu Mitama, Aila, Black Aila, and Cloud Retainer knew Zhongli's true identity.
Aila and Black Aila, all revealed extremely subtle expressions.
Knowing perfectly well that Zhongli was Rex Lapis himself, they naturally understood just how bizarre this scene truly was.
The Geo Archon bowing to one of his own Adeptus?
No matter how one looked at it, the atmosphere felt unbelievably strange.
Yet none of them could say anything.
After all, Zhongli had not revealed his identity yet.
And Hu Tao herself clearly knew nothing as she enthusiastically dragged Zhongli forward to bow together before Cloud Retainer.
For a brief moment, the entire courtyard fell into an indescribably subtle silence.
Cloud Retainer's expression also stiffened slightly.
Even she, who had lived through the Archon War and witnessed countless storms throughout thousands of years, almost failed to maintain her composure at this moment.
Rex Lapis—
Bowing to her?
Although she clearly understood that Zhongli had already chosen to walk the mortal world as a human and had abandoned his former identity—
Understanding was one thing.
Actually witnessing it with her own eyes was another matter entirely.
Especially when Hu Tao stood there with a perfectly righteous expression, firmly pulling Morax down to bow together with her—
The impact of that scene was honestly somewhat overwhelming.
Cloud Retainer even felt a faint urge to spread her wings and immediately flee from the courtyard.
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama quietly lowered his head and covered his mouth, trying extremely hard not to laugh aloud.
Lumine who already speculated Zhongli's indentity also silently looked away.
Aila's shoulders trembled slightly.
Even Black Aila, who usually maintained an indifferent expression, revealed a subtle twitch at the corner of her mouth.
Only Hu Tao herself remained completely unaware of how outrageous the current situation actually was.
She even pressed Zhongli's shoulder slightly lower, whispering in dissatisfaction,
"Consultant Zhongli, be more respectful. This is an Adeptus!"
Logically speaking, Hu Tao had done nothing wrong. In fact, every part of her conduct was perfectly proper.
A Liyue citizen who understood even a little of Liyue's history would naturally hold immense respect for the Adeptus. Even those unfamiliar with history would, during festivals, hear elders recount tales of the illuminated beasts, listen to storytellers speak of ancient legends, or witness the grandeur of the Rite of Descension.
For someone like Hu Tao, the current Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—a legacy passed down since the era of the Archon War—such etiquette was practically engraved into her bones.
So when Hu Tao sincerely pulled Zhongli along to bow toward Cloud Retainer, there was absolutely nothing improper about it.
And yet—
Aila, Black Aila, and Lumine all wore subtle expressions.
The two of the three of them knew Zhongli's true identity while the other one could infer something. Because of that, no matter how they looked at the scene before them, it felt indescribably strange.
Futsu Mitama, however, was completely different.
His eyes widened slightly, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled upward into a thoroughly delighted smile.
It's here.
The scene he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
Zhongli always insisted on concealing his identity and interacting with others as an ordinary man. Unfortunately for him, the people who knew his true identity were all influential figures within Liyue.
Which led to a wonderfully awkward problem.
What exactly would happen when this "ordinary person" encountered a genuine Adeptus?
The answer was now unfolding right before everyone's eyes.
Hu Tao, the seventy-seventh Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, was currently dragging Zhongli along to bow before Cloud Retainer.
Even though Cloud Retainer remained in her crane form rather than her human form, Futsu Mitama could clearly see the horror radiating from her body language and widened pupils.
Yes.
Actual horror.
Privately, Rex Lapis and Cloud Retainer were old friends. That much was true.
But publicly?
Whenever Cloud Retainer met Rex Lapis, she was the one bowing before the Lord of Geo.
Not the other way around.
Although Cloud Retainer was not some rigid old-fashioned immortal obsessed with formalities, she still possessed her own principles and sense of propriety.
No matter how one looked at it, allowing the Lord to bow to her was simply far too outrageous.
Watching this utterly surreal scene unfold before her eyes, Cloud Retainer suddenly wished she could scold herself a few times.
Why had she decided to stay behind?!
Wouldn't it have been better if she had simply left immediately?!
If she had gone back to Mt. Aocang earlier, she wouldn't be suffering through this absurd situation now!
"N-no need to bow."
Cloud Retainer recovered almost instantly. Her voice trembled slightly as she hurriedly spoke, "It is enough that you possess such intentions. This Adeptus is not accustomed to receiving such formalities."
"Moreover, you are the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. This Adeptus once shared connections with your predecessors."
Hearing Cloud Retainer's words, Hu Tao revealed an embarrassed smile.
As the current Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she naturally understood the history behind her organization better than most.
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor possessed methods of contacting the Adeptus. Even the legendary talisman of everlasting morality remained preserved within the parlor.
Of course, successive Directors had rarely used it.
When Hu Tao first saw the legendary talisman, she had merely played with it for a while before tossing it aside to gather dust.
Unless it was an especially important matter, she had no intention of troubling the Adeptus over something trivial.
Besides—
With her status as Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she could already interact with Adeptus under certain circumstances.
Now, seeing the legendary Cloud Retainer—who was rumored to possess an eccentric temperament—being so polite, Hu Tao naturally could not simply nod foolishly and accept it.
Etiquette was etiquette.
Although Hu Tao often appeared carefree and mischievous, she was extremely serious about matters like these.
After all, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor dealt with funerary rites. Proper conduct and respect were fundamental.
"No, Adeptus, you are being too courteous."
Hu Tao still intended to bow. She even tugged harder on Zhongli's sleeve and urged, "Consultant, hurry up and bow properly!"
Cloud Retainer nearly broke into a cold sweat.
This absolutely would not do. If she truly allowed Rex Lapis to bow before her, setting aside whether the Lord himself minded—
Her old friends would 'communicate with' her for centuries.
Cloud Retainer cared very much about her reputation.
"Enough, Director Hu."
At this moment, Zhongli finally stepped in to rescue her.
Seeing Cloud Retainer's visibly distressed appearance, he softly said, "Since the Adeptus does not wish for us to insist upon formalities, there is no need to force the matter."
"If we continue regardless of her wishes, we may instead cause offense."
Hu Tao blinked in surprise and looked at Zhongli curiously.
She truly had not expected Zhongli—someone who normally emphasized etiquette so heavily—to suddenly become so tactful today.
Although—this particular tactfulness felt rather subtle.
After all, opportunities to bow before an Adeptus were extremely rare. Countless people in Liyue wished for such a chance but never obtained it.
"Exactly! Lord— ahem! This Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Consultant is absolutely correct!"
Cloud Retainer nearly blurted out "The Lord is right," but fortunately caught herself in time.
If that single word had escaped her mouth, Zhongli's retirement plan might have collapsed on the spot.
"Hu Tao, Zhongli, there is truly no need to bow."
Paimon also floated forward to mediate, waving her hands as she said, "Everyone here already knows each other well. You two are being way too formal!"
"Yes." Shenhe nodded calmly. "Master dislikes excessive formalities."
"Indeed." Aila also spoke indifferently. "If you truly wish to show respect, then perhaps you should prepare some ingenious mechanical devices for Master instead."
Hearing her disciples come to rescue her, Cloud Retainer felt deeply moved.
Good disciples.
I truly did not raise them in vain.
"Alright~"
Seeing everyone object so strongly, Hu Tao finally gave up on insisting. Then she blinked curiously and looked around the courtyard.
"By the way, what were all of you doing just now? A gathering?"
As she spoke, her eyes suddenly brightened.
"Do you want me to show off my cooking skills?!"
Clearly, Hu Tao had become interested in preparing a grand feast for everyone.
Since Klee was currently absent and she had nothing else to do, she might as well cook.
After the conclusion of the "A Bite of Liyue" event, Hu Tao had genuinely worked hard to improve her culinary abilities.
At least… she personally believed that her cooking should now be edible.
"Wah—!!!"
The moment Hu Tao brought up cooking, Paimon immediately recalled certain horrifying memories. Her expression instantly became pale with terror.
Lumine silently glanced at Paimon and instantly understood.
Clearly, Paimon had remembered the trauma from A Bite of Liyue.
"Hu Tao—"
Paimon looked at her cautiously and asked in a trembling voice, "Have you ever actually eaten the things you cooked?"
Hu Tao blinked.
Judging by Paimon's expression, she also recalled that particular incident.
Back then, after eating Hu Tao's food, Paimon had practically looked possessed, rolling her eyes while repeatedly muttering "delicious."
"I have eaten it before," Hu Tao replied weakly, her voice losing confidence. "As a chef, I obviously need to taste my own dishes first."
"If even I can't eat it, how could I possibly serve it to others?"
Hearing this, Paimon nearly fainted.
She desperately wanted to ask:
You tasted it yourself and still decided to serve it to other people?!
Unfortunately, Paimon also knew Hu Tao probably wasn't malicious.
Hu Tao had genuinely eaten the food herself, found nothing wrong with it, and then happily shared it with everyone else.
That realization left Paimon completely speechless.
She could only stomp angrily in midair, signaling that she was extremely upset—and that the consequences would be severe.
"How interesting."
At this moment, Cloud Retainer's curiosity was instantly piqued. Now that the awkward "bowing incident" had finally passed, she turned toward Hu Tao with interest.
"Could it be that your cuisine possesses some special characteristics?"
"Coincidentally, this Adeptus has also conducted some research into the culinary arts. If possible, perhaps you may allow this Adeptus to sample your cooking."
"With this Adeptus's understanding of gourmet cuisine, I should be able to offer you some guidance."
Cloud Retainer genuinely wished to taste Hu Tao's cooking.
After all, seeing such dramatic reactions from everyone else only made her more curious.
"No!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Master, please refrain."
Futsu Mitama, Shenhe, and Black Aila all spoke simultaneously.
Their refusal was immediate and decisive. That was cuisine capable of making even Barbatos collapse on the spot.
You are an Adeptus. Please do not seek death voluntarily.
If Cloud Retainer truly ended up rolling her eyes like Paimon, the resulting scene would be catastrophic.
Futsu Mitama had even already imagined the future headlines:
Adeptus was Assassinated! Seal Off The Scene Immediately!
"...?"
This was the first time Cloud Retainer had ever witnessed the three of them object in perfect unison.
"Very well. This Adeptus shall refrain from tasting it."
Although she gave up verbally, the curiosity in her eyes only deepened.
Exactly what kind of dish could provoke such unanimous resistance?
It truly made her even more interested.
Zhongli quietly sighed.
After thousands of years, how could he possibly not understand Cloud Retainer's personality?
Even if she refrained today, she would absolutely find an opportunity later to secretly ask Hu Tao to cook for her.
Unless he directly forbade it himself.
But since Hu Tao's cooking had not actually killed anyone yet, Zhongli chose not to interfere.
Sometimes, certain lessons needed to be experienced personally.
"Phew…"
Futsu Mitama quietly released a sigh of relief.
Shenhe and Black Aila also visibly relaxed.
If Cloud Retainer had truly eaten Hu Tao's cooking today—
The next time they saw Hu Tao, it might not be at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
It might be inside a prison cell instead.
"Speaking of which, where did Albedo take Klee?"
Hu Tao quickly recovered her cheerful mood and changed the topic. Compared to cooking, she cared far more about Klee right now.
After all, she had promised the little girl a wonderful tour through Liyue.
"We do not know."
Kuki Shinobu shook her head calmly.
"Albedo simply took Klee away without explaining where they were going."
Sangonomiya Kokomi added gently, "Perhaps they went to visit a friend. If you are in a hurry, we will inform you as soon as they return. After all, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is right next door."
"Mm…"
Hu Tao sighed dramatically, looking somewhat disappointed.
This made Lumine and Paimon feel slightly sympathetic toward her.
Today had truly been rough for Hu Tao.
First, she failed to properly bow to an Adeptus.
Then her cooking was collectively rejected.
And now even Klee had vanished somewhere with Albedo.
Of course, nobody dared mention the true reason.
After all, the one currently accompanying Klee was Guizhong.
If Hu Tao went searching for them now—
The resulting chaos would likely become uncontrollable.
According to Azhdaha, Guizhong alone was already troublesome enough.
Now add Klee—a walking arsenal disguised as a child.
Then throw Hu Tao into the mix as well.
At that point, Azhdaha genuinely began wondering whether today would finally become the day he broke free from his seal and returned to Liyue Harbor.
After all, in his own words:
Guizhong + Klee + Hu Tao gathered together—
Was basically equivalent to Osial breaking out of Guyun Stone Forest.
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