The readers express: Isn't it just playing awkward, playing abstract? Who can't do that?
However, what the readers didn't expect is that Hu Tao's output is still continuing.
[Hu Tao continues: "The guardian god of Wangshu Inn↗—the great↑hero→of Liyue↺—you're here, right—!"]
The more the readers listen, the more something feels off. Why does it feel like she's about to give a 'security guard' a commendation banner, like 'Guardian God of XX Neighborhood.'
And... shouting like this is too embarrassing! You're really the one who knows how to play! We can't compete with you!
This is basically equivalent to telling Xiao 'if you don't come out, I'll embarrass you completely.'
Xiao indeed can't endure this kind of embarrassment and directly appears in front of Hu Tao.
[Xiao: "Quiet! Do not disturb the peace."]
The Xiao in reality feels relieved. No wonder the Lord said he can't handle the Hall Master's temperament—this case is solved.
Indeed, every word from the Lord has his profound meaning. This is the most trustworthy time for the Lord.
[Hu Tao says with a smile: "Oh dear, oh dear, truly sorry. But if not like this, you wouldn't appear, right?"]
Hu Tao is playful, but her IQ and EQ are both high—she's got Xiao figured out.
Xiao is actually quite easygoing. His biggest issues are that he's hard to meet and hard to communicate with, but if you manage to communicate with him, he actually doesn't refuse people easily.
Especially since Hu Tao is the Hall Master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. In the book, Zhongli explains the origins of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
In ancient times, disasters were rampant, and humans could not avoid death. But excessive deaths would cause plagues, so the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was born.
To dispel plagues, to send off departed souls, to delineate life and death—this is the work of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
[Hu Tao is very satisfied with Zhongli's explanation: "That's right, that's right, just like that. The consultant gets one point!"]
Zhongli +1. Just don't know how many points make full marks.
Speaking of which, the most troublesome part for Hu Tao in inviting Xiao to the gathering is actually Xiao's karmic debt—this is also the problem Xiao worries about the most.
Xiao doesn't like socializing with people; besides personality reasons, it's also because of the karmic debt on his body, which can make people feel uncomfortable when interacting with him.
Fortunately, the people Hu Tao invited are all talents, 'gathering of the wise.' In front of these people, the power of Xiao's karmic debt isn't much of an issue.
[Xingqiu immediately says: "The Great Sage Who Conquers Demons need not worry. This young Taoist has pure yang power protecting him—he's very resilient."]
The readers also get it. This Xingqiu really seizes every opportunity to tease Chongyun. Their relationship is truly good.
[Chongyun: "Th-this, this is two different things, isn't it!"]
["And, just now, wasn't it you who put the carrot in my bowl? Don't try to divert attention."]
The two little ones 'argue,' which eases the somewhat oppressive atmosphere when 'karmic debt' was mentioned quite a bit.
The readers always feel like this time it's really a heartwarming story, but thinking back to the Tsurumi Island story last time, they're a bit uncertain again.
Shikikan, oh Shikikan, should we believe you or not?
Anyway, let's continue reading with a skeptical attitude for now.
This time it's Chongyun's turn to roast Xingqiu. Xiangling also stands on Chongyun's side because Xingqiu was picky eating first.
Xiangling says it's a shame Guoba didn't come; otherwise, he might have forcibly stuffed the carrot into Xingqiu's mouth.
Lucian agrees with this. How can one be picky? Look at me—I never pick my food. Even the meals Ei makes, I don't pick at.
But the meals Ei makes are good stuff. Good stuff should be shared with people. I just shared it with Scaramouche to eat.
[Xingqiu exclaims in surprise: "Ah?! Is Guoba the type with such a stubborn personality?"]
Stubborn plus attack minus special attack—didn't expect that Guoba, who always breathes fire, is actually a physical attacker.
Come to think of it, a stubborn personality that loves spicy food— no wonder Guoba always takes a bite of chili before breathing fire. Reasonable.
The three little ones' chat gradually makes the gathering's atmosphere cheerful. The Traveler also takes the opportunity to ask about Xiao's recent situation—how's his health.
[Xiao: "The situation is still manageable."]
Xiao recently happened to meet an old friend. That old friend helped him, stabilizing the karmic debt situation on his body somewhat.
The readers are very curious about who the old friend Xiao is referring to. Xiao has no intention of hiding it and opens his mouth to say:
["I think you should know him. He is..."]
Before the words are finished, a 'whoosh~ whoosh' wind sound attracts everyone's attention.
But this wind sound is off—it's not the sound of wind, but the 'sound of wind,' the onomatopoeia blown by a person.
[??? : "「The wind brings the seeds of stories」..."]
[Paimon unconsciously picks up: "...「and cultivated by Time」!"]
The two match passwords. Hu Tao also notices the visitor outside the door.
[Hu Tao directs Zhongli: "Consultant, don't just stand there—quickly go open the door for them!"]
This is just like Hu Tao, daring to make the dignified Geo Archon act as a doorman.
Anyway, Venti doesn't really want Zhongli to open the door for him and directly uses wind to blow the door open.
[Venti walks into the room: "Hey ya, finally inviting me in."]
He has his principles too—the host hasn't invited him, so he won't enter.
["Hi hi, whether we've met elsewhere before or not, now it's a brand-new encounter! New and old friends, happy holidays everyone."]
Another social terrorist has arrived.
The readers are amused. Earlier, when they saw a gust of wind push the door open, they guessed it was you, but then it turned out to be Hu Tao.
This time they thought it couldn't be you, but it really is—born with a rebellious streak, huh? Truly befitting the god of freedom; even the timing of your appearance is so free.
[Xiao is shocked: "!?"]
Another god!?
Wow, it really is you! Now the situation doesn't feel manageable anymore.
One Lord is already a lot of pressure. Now the Anemo Archon comes too?
If Hu Tao and the others weren't here, it would be fine. But now with Hu Tao and the others watching right beside, these two gods don't want to expose their identities, so Xiao can only accompany them in acting.
[Hu Tao stands up to welcome the guest: "Oh my oh my! This young man is so dashing—looks just like someone who'd be my friend in the future."]
[Venti nods: "Mm, looking at this young lady's demeanor, it's bright like flowers, like the sunrise—clearly the one with the most say here at a glance!"]
The two extroverts start mutually flattering each other and quickly hit it off.
But Hu Tao really does look like flowers—there's a plum blossom stuck in her hat, and her eyes are plum blossoms too.
What surprises the readers even more is Xingqiu's reaction. He seems to know Venti.
[Xingqiu: "Ah, it's you!"]
[Venti: "Eh! This isn't Teacher Zhen Fang..."]
Seeing this, Xingqiu spits out a mouthful of tea. Holy crap, box!
Dude, we're both novel writers—how do you expose my pen name!?
Can that thing be exposed? How embarrassing if familiar people see it! They know I write novels but not what I write!
But Xingqiu is also a bit puzzled. When did he get to know the Anemo Archon?
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice Line · Hu Tao: About Gatherings
"Hahaha, truly interesting. The little Lucian at this Hall Master's home knows so many people. This time, maybe we can gather all the gods."