Chapter Text
The next night...
“So that’s how it is!” Xiangling nodded, seated at the reserved table in Xinyue Kiosk. “Thanks for the suggestions, Mr. Zhongli! I have them all noted down.”
“I’ve long heard that your knowledge encompasses all things old and new, Mr. Zhongli, but I never knew that you were well-versed in the art of cooking, too.” Xingqiu was impressed. “It is truly an honor to make your acquaintance.”
“No need for formalities. I, too, feel humbled to be in the company of such talented young people.” Zhongli related. “There are many things I could learn from you.”
“You flatter us!” Chongyun blushed. “If it’s possible, may I trouble you to provide a few words of guidance for my practices in exorcism?”
“Exorcism?” Zhongli echoed. “I can't say I’m an expert in the field, but if you don’t mind, we could start by discussing...”
“There’s so many people here!” Paimon gawked. “All we knew was that Hu Tao invited Zhongli over. Paimon never thought we’d be meeting so many old friends. Happy Lantern Rite, everyone!”
“Likewise.” Zhongli returned. “Please, take a seat.”
“Happy Lantern Rite!” Xiangling greeted. “Are you having fun?”
“I’ve become musically cultured.” the Traveler replied.
“Me too.” Xiangling nodded. “I’ve seen Xinyan perform before, but this is the first time I’ve watched something like this. I heard that the audience loved it too, and she’s been receiving quite a lot of performance invitations lately. She’s more busy than ever, and Yun Jin’s gonna help her.”
“And they asked us to pass on their season’s greetings to everyone.” Chongyun added. “They hope we’ll have a wonderful gathering.”
“The performance was spectacular indeed.” Xingqiu agreed. “However, it gave Xiangling a huge burst of inspiration, which in turn gave us a bit of a headache.”
“Us?” Chongyun deathpanned. “Did Xiangling ask you to try out her dishes too?”
“That, my friend, is beside the point.” Xingqiu teased. “Watching you eat was enough for me.”
“Xiangling came up with a new recipe?” Paimon gasped. "Let Paimon try!”
“Someone here knows how to encourage people!” Xiangling beamed. “I have to thank Mr. Zhongli too. He gave me lots of useful pointers that really drove it home for me.”
“So that’s what you were talking about before we arrived!” Paimon noted.
“Since we’ll be dining together, the topic of our conversation naturally revolved around cooking.” Zhongli reasoned. “Xiangling’s ideas are truly unconventional. Her choices in both ingredients and spices are comparable to a melody dancing on the tongue. My suggestions were nothing more than the icing on the cake.”
“I’ll get everyone to have a taste after I’ve adjusted the recipe based on Mr. Zhongli’s advice!” Xiangling promised.
“Speaking of eating, Paimon feels like we’re missing someone.” Paimon noted. “Hu Tao was the one who invited us, but she’s not here! And, where’s Guoba?”
“Guoba volunteered to help dad at the restaurant!” Xiangling replied. “As for Hu Tao...”
“The director went to collect a guest.” Zhongli explained. “She asked me to stay here and host you for the time being. Seems like it’s almost time.”
“We’re here!” Hu Tao sang, strolling in. “We’re not late to the party, right? Right? Good thing the Conqueror of Demons and I are both as swift as the wind. We made it just in time!”
Paimon, Xiao and the Traveler exchanged startled expressions.
“I see.” Zhongli stood up. “So, the important guest is the Conqueror of Demons. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. The director didn’t mention anything when she invited us. What a pleasant surprise. Gathered here with us tonight are not only young and accomplished individuals, but also the protector of Liyue’s peace, Adeptus Alatus. To convene here with all of you is indeed a great honor.”
“Uhhh...” Xiao stammered, recalling he had met Zhongli at Wangshu Inn a few days back. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating, Zhong...” he started. “Ahem, Sir.” he corrected himself.
“There he goes again!” Hu Tao whined. “Enough with the pleasantries. Go let our guest take a seat. Everyone here today is well-known in their own field and has probably heard about one another to some extent. Some of us are even old acquaintances, so there’s no need to be this formal. I heard that the Conqueror of Demons and the Traveler are pretty close.”
“We’re old friends.” the Traveler commented.
“You two sit together!” Hu Tao insisted.
“You should take a seat too, Director.” Zhongli reminded.
“When we arrived just now, the hosts at Xinyue Kiosk told me our dishes are almost ready.” Hu Tao informed, taking the host’s seat. “Perfect timing. Let’s not wait any longer and ask them to bring out the food.”
“Paimon would’ve never guessed the person Hu Tao went to fetch was Xiao.” Paimon admitted, after a short break at dining.
“That’s also the first I’ve heard of Traveler and Paimon being friends with the Conqueror of Demons.” Chongyun noted.
“You know Xiao too?” Paimon was surprised.
“‘Knowing’ is a bit of an overstatement.” Chongyun replied. “I’ve always looked up to him. You might not know this, Paimon, but we exorcists have worked in close collaboration with the Conqueror of Demons for many generations, dispelling evil together, both in the open and from the shadows. Hard to imagine that thanks to Hu Tao, I’ve finally gotten the chance to meet him. Conqueror of Demons, I am honored to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise.” Xiao responded.
“It is a great honor indeed to have a chance to meet the legendary Conqueror of Demons.” Xingqiu added. “Chongyun has brought that name up quite a few times in the past. No anecdote, however, compares to meeting you in person. I’m Xingqiu, Xiangling and Chongyun’s friend. The pleasure is all mine.”
“We know each other too!” Xiangling piped in. “He helped try my dishes during the Masterful Chefs cook-off!”
“There’s no need to be so polite.” Xiao rebuked.
“You’re right.” Hu Tao agreed. “This was meant to be a nice little get-together between friends, after all. Too much formality kills the atmosphere. As for me, I’m just here to have fun and treat everyone to something good! We all worked really hard this year. Whether traveling or guiding, cooking, helping with the family business, exorcising evil spirits, or conquering demons, and of course, our consultant, who’s been helping out at the parlor every now and then. Everyone has done some pretty amazing things As the one who brought everyone together, it goes without saying that I’m the one most deserving of praise!”
“Sounds kinda self-important, but Paimon thinks it’s pretty amazing that she managed to talk Xiao into coming.” Paimon cast a look at the Anemo user. “He rarely ever enters Liyue Harbor, after all.”
“I’m curious about how she did it.” the Traveler agreed.
“It wasn’t as complicated as you think.” Xiao assured, recalling how he had met Hu Tao a little while ago.
“Did the Conqueror of Demons agree to come so that Hu Tao would stop pestering him?” Chongyun wondered.
“There might be other reasons.” Zhongli noted.
“Smart guess.” Hu Tao grinned. “I talked about the funeral parlor's past relationships with the Guardian Yakshas, you know, just to be sociable.”
“In the time of the Archon War, disputes were frequent, and disaster overtook the land.” Zhongli went into history lecture mode. “Humans couldn’t escape from the torment of the plague, nor could they escape death. The adepti vanquished the demons, the Millelith fought valiantly, and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was responsible for purifying the diseased and sending off the spirits of the dead. That is how the border between life and death was maintained during the war, and it effectively prevented further incidents from happening.”
“But despite our deep-rooted connection, it still took me quite a while to actually convince him.” Hu Tao pouted.
“Was he worried about his karma?” the Traveler wondered.
“This matter is out of my control, so I need to be cautious.” Xiao stated
“I’ve kept that in mind too!” Hu Tao related. “That’s why everyone here today is in one way or another acquainted with elemental power. Besides, it’ll only be for a short while as we dine together. There won’t be any lasting consequences.”
“But I didn’t expect there to be so many people.” Xiao admitted.
“There’s no need to worry, Conqueror of Demons.” Xingqiu assured. “We’re not feeling anything unusual so far. Our young exorcist over here is protected by his pure-yang energy, so he’s probably the most resilient.”
“That’s not the same!” Chongyun protested.
“You seem pretty quiet today.” the Traveler noticed. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m doing fine.” Xiao replied. “Not long ago, before Lantern Rite, I met an old friend. Thanks to his help, things have been a lot more stable than before.”
“An old friend?” the Traveler echoed.
“You should know him.” Xiao stated. “He’s...”
“Seeds of story, brought by the wind...” a voice recited outside the door.
“And cultivated by time.” Paimon finished the quote. “Did Paimon just unconsciously complete that saying? That voice... could it be...”
“f I'm not mistaken, there’s someone knocking at the door.” Hu Tao realized. “Don’t just sit there, Zhongli! Go welcome our guest in!”
“No such need!” Venti blew the doors open with a gust of wind. “I’m coming in! You finally let me in! No matter if we've met before or not, this moment marks a brand-new encounter! Old friends and new, happy Lantern Rite!”
“It’s the Tone-Deaf Bard!” Paimon recognized the Anemo Archon.
“He seems to carry a valiant breeze wherever he goes.” Hu Tao beamed. “It looks like we’re gonna be friends! Fate has brought us together, so c’mon, take a seat and be my guest! Help yourself, I’ll ask them for another set of cutlery.”
“This young lady here is as bright as a fresh bouquet of flowers and the morning’s rising sun.” Venti praised. “She no doubt is the one with the most authority here!”
“It’s you!” Xingqiu also recognized Venti.
“Isn’t this Zhenyu...” Venti spoke. “Now that I’ve taken a closer look, you’re a fan of Zhenyu’s works, aren’t you? I met Xingqiu at a light novel convention. I never expected that there’d be another person in this world who could interpret Zhenyu’s new novel as thoroughly as I could!”
“Could this new guest be Master Xingqiu’s friend?” Zhongli looked at the younger Archon.
“He’s my old pal too.” the Traveler stated.
“Xiao, you remember me too, right?” Venti reminded. “We had a chat not long ago.”
“Monsters become more active than usual as we get closer to Lantern Rite.” Xiao related. “I was patrolling Dihua Marsh a few days ago when I happened to run into this...”
“You’ve already forgotten?” Venti pouted. “I’m a bard, remember? And bards go around singing wherever they like!”
“And this bard was performing in Dihua Marsh.” Xiao backpedaled. “It was a moving melody, and it made me feel relaxed and at ease. I couldn’t help but stay and listen.”
“So that's how it was.” the Traveler realized what happened.
“I understand now, too.” Zhongli nodded. “I’m Zhongli, currently working at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It’s a pleasure to meet you, new friend.”
“I’m his boss.” Hu Tao declared.
“Only a boss as savvy and reliable as you would be able to hire such an impressive consultant!” Venti praised.
“Not to brag, but our consultant truly is impressive.” Hu Tao added. “His knowledge extends across the stars and the land, and there’s nothing throughout history that he doesn’t know. From the sophisticated way he speaks, it’s hard not to suspect that he could very well be an adeptus in disguise! Xiao, you’re an adeptus! Do you think it might be possible?”
“Sorry, I’m only good at conquering demons.” Xiao answered. “I’m afraid I don’t have much knowledge in that matter.”
“I’ve actually heard a few things about Mr. Zhongli before.” Venti supplied. “The guests in the tavern talked about this refined and courteous man who, instead of having wine at Mondstadt’s finest tavern, ordered a cup of hot tea with the most complex name.”
“Now that you mention it, I seem to recall that there indeed is a musician like yourself in Mondstadt.” Zhongli sniped back. “I’ve heard that he’s elegant and amiable, his works witty and vibrant. It’s no overstatement to regard him as the best bard in Mondstadt.”
“I would say that Mondstadt’s poetry is a little run-of-the-mill sometimes.” Venti responded. “There’s one I heard a while back that went: The old house is renewed, welcoming the spring breeze, awakening old memories. The meaning’s there, but the word choices are unimaginative, and there’s a distinct lack of literary flair.”
“I think so too.” Hu Tao agreed, walking over. “The composition needs a little jazzing up. If I were to give it a go, I’d make it: an old melon on a vine, a new flower that grows fine.”
“Good one!” Venti applauded. “It feels unique, and has a nice ring to it!”
“You have great taste, Venti, I was right about you!” Hu Tao beamed. “Let’s shake hands.”
“Speaking of, why is the Tone-Deaf Bard here?” Paimon asked. “Are you here to take part in the Lantern Rite too?”
“I heard that Liyue will be hosting a Lantern Rite music festival this year.” Venti answered. “As a musician myself, how could I possibly resist the temptation to come take a look? Or a listen? Getting to know other musical styles is essential to sparking inspiration, don’t you think? As for the Fontaine friend who hosted the festival, I saw him near Stone Gate the other day. The Iridescence Tour has finally been held successfully for once, so I had to congratulate him.”
“Thank you.” the Traveler noted, now knowing it was Venti who directed Dovark to Liyue. “He must feel very grateful.”
“Don’t think anything of it!” Venti beamed. “By the way, I was watching as you entered Xinyue Kiosk, but no one seemed to notice me. Should I say that it's because I'm an expert in hiding, or that a certain someone deliberately ignored the sound of the wind?” he gave the older Archon a flat look.
“Whenever Lantern Rite comes around, Liyue Harbor becomes bustling with activity.” Zhongli deflected the question. “People are all busy watching the lanterns and strolling around the shops, and they might just go travel somewhere on a whim. It is rather difficult to predict another’s whereabouts. The festival is in full swing and proceeding smoothly, and we’re all gathered here with friends new and old. This is no doubt a wonderful occasion worth celebrating. To come together with all of you at the beginning of the year, one can’t help but be filled with joy. In a moment like this, I propose we raise a glass together. In my case, tea in lieu of wine.”
“Very well said, Mr. Zhongli!” Venti covered up Xiao’s awkwardness. “That was exactly what I wanted to say! We usually drink wine during occasions like this over in Mondstadt, but since Mr. Zhongli insists on drinking tea, I’ll give a toast with tea too! Everyone, thanks for the treat!”
“You’re welcome!” Hu Tao nodded. “As the host of this gathering, I hope everyone enjoys the food and drinks. May this year be better than the last!”
“Xiao!” the Traveler turned to the spear user. “Are you done eating? Wanna head out for a walk?”
“Sure.” Xiao nodded.
Outside Xinyue Kiosk...
“Are you alright?” Xiao asked.
“I should be the one asking you that.” the Traveler refuted.
“It’s hard to describe.” Xiao admitted.
“Unfamiliar with gatherings like this?” the Traveler guessed.
“It’s not that.” Xiao related. “There were those among the adepti who loved gatherings and idle chit chat. Sometimes, they would call up a few others for a drink. Even I got dragged along to their gatherings, many times. The adepti all have their specialties, making most of them proud and arrogant. Everything they say is straight from the heart. It never gets too complicated.”
“I understand.” the Traveler noted. “It’s all Venti’s fault.”
“I didn’t mean that.” Xiao flushed. “So, you know his true identity. I’ll get straight to the point then. The Anemo Archon is a free spirit, and his temperament is as carefree as the music he plays on the flute. It’s easy for a god like him to live in harmony with humans. And that’s something I might never be able to do.”
“You don’t have to be like them.” the Traveler pointed out.
“That does sound like something you would say.” Xiao relented. “Mother has also told me this many times. No matter. I know my circumstances. Whenever I think of the ordinary conversations I’ve had with you, it feels strangely novel.”
“Strange in a good way?” the Traveler ventured.
“Yes.” Xiao admitted. “The parlor director went out of her way with the invitation, so it was difficult to turn her down. I had made mental preparations before agreeing to come. She told me that all the guests today would be ‘acquainted with elemental power’, and I knew that you would be here. But I didn’t expect the other guests to be...” he trailed. “General Kapisas always said that we should live in the present and enjoy every pleasant surprise. Perhaps that’s what I should do with what I’m feeling now. But I think he meant designing clothes for those around him. The clothes were intricately designed, but inconvenient to wear. Brother Bosacius never tried to hide his distaste in front of him. Rex Lapis did like his designs and even collected quite a few. The outfit he wears now was also designed by General Kapisas himself. I never saw him wear this during the war. I didn’t expect him to start wearing it later.”
“Here you are!” Xiangling ran in.
“What is it?” Xiao turned to the Pyro spear user.
“Hu Tao saw that everyone's done eating and asked the staff to bring out the desserts.” Xiangling explained. “Paimon got so anxious that you weren’t back yet that she scarfed down her dessert without the usual slurping and munching. To be honest, I was kinda worried too. You looked a little restless just now, and I thought you weren’t used to the food here and was planning to head back to Wangshu Inn for something Yanxiao made.”
“You’re worrying too much.” Xiao insisted. “Anyway, let’s head back.”
“There’s another reason why I came looking for you.” Xiangling confessed. “Here, take these. I brought them for you!”
“Almond Tofu?” Xiao echoed.
“Since the Masterful Chefs competition, you could say that Yanxiao and I are not only competitors, but good friends as well!” Xiangling related. “I visit him at Wangshu Inn sometimes to discuss our cooking. I heard him say that the esteemed guest on the roof loves nothing more than a good plate of Almond Tofu, so I learned a thing or two about the dish from him. I’ll be honest: before Hu Tao invited everyone, she secretly came looking for me, told me about the guests she planned to invite, and asked me for some suggestions on what she should order. So, I made a few servings of Almond Tofu for you guys in advance! Take them as a token of gratitude for your support. When I told Guoba that I was making these for you, he started eagerly running around the kitchen and helping a lot too.”
“I’ll take them.” Xiao relented, remembering the Stove God’s temperament. “Thank you, and Guoba too.”
Inside Xinyue Kiosk...
“Sorry to keep everyone waiting.” Xiao voiced.
“No worries, we’re all just chatting here.” Hu Tao assured. “There’s no serious business to take care of. Whether we’re chatting outside or inside, it’s all the same. Even though we’re all well-acquainted by now, I think this festive gathering deserves something ceremonious. Spontaneity is the best choice to make here!Let’s use this incense burner on the table. It’s been lit for so long now that the incense is running out. I’ll leave refilling and lighting the incense to the most distinguished guest among us all. Lighting the incense will signify continuous growth and prosperity in all our endeavors in the new year! Now that we’ve enjoyed this tableful of delicacies, how about we let our one and only chef here do the honors? Xiangling, the disciple of an adeptus, the Stove God’s best companion, the winner of the Masterful Chefs competition. The only heir of the famous Wanmin Restaurant, a good old friend of mine. There’s no better choice!”
“If we’re looking for a distinguished guest, surely the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild counts?” Xiangling threw Xingqiu under the bus. “It’s one of the largest commerce guilds in Liyue Harbor!”
“Making a fortune is indeed a fine wish, but it's of lesser importance than good health and happiness.” Xingqiu deflected to Chongyun. “Which means we should choose Chongyun, the skilled exorcist who keeps everyone’s home safe from evil spirits.”
“I can’t be the one when we have the Conqueror of Demons right here!” the Cyro claymore user protested. “Adeptus Xiao has the most seniority among everyone here today. We should...”
“I refuse.” Xiao steadfastly rejected. “I am most certainly not the most distinguished guest here. You should all be able to make the right judgment based on your observations. One person here is well-acquainted with everyone else.”
“Even though you’re always mocking Paimon, you’re still pretty popular with other people!” Paimon realized everyone was looking at the Traveler.
“I’m not the only well-connected person here though.” the Traveler pointed out. “You, of course.”
“I agree.” Venti concurred. “Paimon’s just the one we need. Without a friend constantly by your side, a long journey would become dreadfully lonesome. But once you have someone there to brighten up the atmosphere, everything along the way will become lively and vibrant too.
“And now, the world’s most excellent traveler’s greatest companion, guide, and friend — Paimon! — will be refilling and lighting the incense for us!” Hu Tao declared.
After the banquet...
“It’s getting late.” Hu Tao addressed her guests. “I won’t take up any more of your time. You’re all free to go as you please. It’s dark out, so I’m going to accompany Xiangling, Xingqiu, and Chongyun back home. As for the rest of the guests, I’ll leave them to our consultant.”
“No need.” Venti assured. “I’m headed towards the harbor to meet two Inazuman friends on the ship. There’s no need to trouble one such as Mr. Zhongli. It was great getting to know you all. Let’s meet again when the spring breeze begins to blow!”
“Rex Lapis...” Xiao started, now that he, Zhongli and the Traveler were alone.
“Just Zhongli will do.” Zhongli insisted. “I live as a mortal in Liyue Harbor now. I am just one among many who begin work at sunrise, and retire to rest at sundown. If we were to consider status and seniority, as Zhongli, I should be respectfully referring to you as Adeptus Xiao. I heard that during the Lantern Rite music festival, you conferred with Streetward Rambler and Cloud Retainer.” he addressed the Traveler. “I take it as you’ve gained a lot more knowledge about the past? The same truth will sound different coming from different people. As more bear witness to a story, feelings and interpretations expand in variety too. I once had a pleasant chat about the past and present with a Sumeru scholar named Soraya, and learned a few things about her research topic. From the evidence she found and the conclusions she made, her area of research is already very close to the truth. But there are multiple sides to humans and gods alike. In the legends recorded by humans, some gods were depicted as arrogant and condescending, while others were kind and capable. But whether to me, Streetward Rambler, Cloud Retainer, or younger adepti such as Xiao and Ganyu, those adepti and gods that may seem extraordinary to humans are something more akin to close companions. This was as true back then as it is right now. Just as Xiao may seem unapproachable to most, but the Traveler has proved otherwise. So, there’s no need to dwell too much on certain things. The director asked me to accompany you on your return, but I don’t think you’ll need my protection. I’ll be taking a walk around and admiring the night scenery.”
“Xiao, is there anything else you wanna do?” Paimon asked. “We could take you on a tour of Liyue Harbor!”
“No need.” Xiao refuted. “I’ve stayed here for much longer than I had expected. The city lights are a fine sight, but it’s time for me to leave. The events of today occurred so abruptly. I appreciate your kindness. I’ll see you next time, then.” he vanished in a puff of smoke.