By now, it was already four in the afternoon.
Led by a sailor, Qiu Nian made his way toward Beidou and Kaedehara Kazuha.
Along the way, his thoughts drifted back to a scene from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Consultant Qiu Nian, you're actually going to Inazuma?"
"That place is dangerous right now. I heard something about a Vision Hunt Decree."
Hu Tao looked at him with clear concern.
"Director, I won't be going immediately—only after more than a month."
"During that time, I will still fulfill my duties as a consultant."
"And from what I understand, the Raiden Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree targets her own people, not foreigners."
"Besides, I have adeptal arts to protect myself. And if necessary, the Traveler can ensure my safety."
"There's no need to worry."
Qiu Nian smiled lightly.
"…I see…"
Hu Tao sighed.
"Well… your age and experience surpass mine."
"I suppose I don't need to worry about your safety too much."
"I've heard there's already conflict brewing there. Who knows what things will look like in a month… just be careful."
She still couldn't fully relax.
After all, if something happened to him in a closed-off nation like Inazuma, there would be nothing she could do.
"And no matter what—"
"You must come back for the Moonchase Festival."
Hu Tao said firmly.
Qiu Nian smiled.
"My old friend, I'll leave all the work during that time to you."
"And you don't need to repay the eight million Mora anymore. That is our contract."
He turned to look at Zhongli in the distance.
His own workload wasn't heavy to begin with.
At most, doubling Morax's usual workload would be enough to offset eight million Mora—if anything, he felt Zhongli was getting the better deal.
"Those who break a contract shall suffer the wrath of the rock."
Zhongli nodded solemnly without hesitation.
"Mm. Then I'll head out now."
With that, Qiu Nian stepped out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
After nodding to the waiting sailor, he set off for Guyun Stone Forest.
…
Back in the present, Qiu Nian arrived before Beidou and Kazuha.
"Captain, I've brought him."
The sailor reported before stepping aside.
"You must be Mr. Qiu Nian."
Beidou sized him up with a grin.
Handsome indeed—at least, his appearance alone left a good impression.
"Miss Beidou, a pleasure."
Qiu Nian smiled faintly.
"Mr. Qiu Nian, I am Kaedehara Kazuha."
Kazuha stepped forward to greet him.
Qiu Nian nodded in return.
"I've heard your martial skill rivals that of the Traveler. Is that true?"
Kazuha asked with curiosity.
"I merely know a few basic techniques."
"How could I compare to the renowned Traveler?"
Qiu Nian shook his head modestly.
"You're too humble."
"When the Traveler spoke of your strength, she didn't sound like she was exaggerating at all."
Beidou crossed her arms and laughed.
"So then…"
"Are you here for the Vision as well?"
Kazuha asked after a brief pause.
"I have little interest in a Vision."
"I simply wish to visit Inazuma."
Qiu Nian replied calmly.
Both Kazuha and Beidou froze for a moment.
They had assumed he came for the Vision—and going to Inazuma was just a bonus.
But it turned out he didn't care about the Vision at all.
Strange…
He didn't even have one.
Had their understanding of the world become flawed?
Why did it suddenly feel like Visions weren't all that valuable?
"As expected of the Traveler's friend."
"You two really are alike."
Beidou muttered, resting her chin on her hand.
"You already know the process to obtain a ticket to Inazuma, right?"
"That sailor should've explained it."
"Go register for the tournament. It'll be starting soon."
Qiu Nian nodded and headed down toward the arena.
"What a peculiar man…"
"It's as if nothing in this world interests him."
"No desire, no attachment… almost as if he wants nothing at all."
Kazuha watched his departing figure, deep in thought.
No strong desires, no worldly attachments.
A calm, tranquil state of mind—his emotions barely stirred.
Too steady…
It was the first time Kazuha had encountered someone like this.
Meanwhile, Qiu Nian had already reached Guyun Stone Forest.
In the distance, the arena was packed with people.
As he approached—
"Mr. Qiu Nian—it's Mr. Qiu Nian!"
A woman's excited shout rang out from the crowd.
Countless gazes turned toward him.
A handsome young man in flowing robes walked forward, calm and composed.
"So his skill truly rivals the Traveler's…"
"If I can fight him, even in defeat, I'll gain valuable experience."
He San gripped his greatsword, watching intently.
Wan Ying shared the same thought.
"…He's finally here."
"The man who is as perfect as I am…"
Jin You turned slightly, revealing a crooked, self-satisfied smile.
Perfect.
Yes… he was worthy to be his rival.
"My Guixu—my Guixu is finally here!"
Xuehua slammed her desk excitedly.
[The streamer has that "loses control whenever Guixu appears" condition again]
[She's the same with Zhongli]
[We're used to it by now]
[Look at this scene—people parting for him, the crowd cheering… this feels so…]
['If you come in winter, I'll greet you in snow-white~']
[Stop putting weird images in my head 😂]
[Guixu: The tournament must be worthy of battle, and the fighters must be worthy to fight!]
"It's Qiu Nian—he's here!"
Paimon waved excitedly.
Lumine smiled and waved as well.
"Mm. I'm here to register too."
Qiu Nian walked up to them and nodded slightly.
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