C12 The Rock God Is Watching You

Keqing massaged her temples as the Millelith soldiers accompanying her subtly stepped back, giving their clearly irritable boss some space.

She watched Hu Tao and Mu Jin, never having imagined they'd meet like this.

Mu Jin played her suona with fervent enthusiasm, hoping to draw in customers.

Seeing her partner's dedication, Hu Tao wasn't about to be outshone. Mimicking a nearby vendor, she announced with a beaming smile, "Big savings at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Second stone tablet half off! Spend a hundred and save twenty!"

Every so often, foreign tourists would wander by, clueless about what the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was, pausing to observe Mu Jin passionately playing her suona.

Before moving on, they'd sometimes leave behind a small pouch of Mora.

Hu Tao scooped it up, grinning, "Who knew we'd make a little extra cash today?"

"Pop!"

Mu Jin, having played the suona till her arms ached, brightened at the sight of the Mora.

In the end, their efforts had indeed drawn the curiosity of many unfamiliar with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

They weren't necessarily looking to make a sale right then and there; leaving a lasting impression was enough.

As the suona's sound dwindled, Keqing knew it was her cue to step in: "Hallmaster Hu, and... Miss Mu."

Both turned, their faces still lit up with the joy of their earnings, but upon seeing Keqing, their delight morphed into alarm.

"Wham!"

Startled, Mu Jin gave a toot on her suona before ducking behind Hu Tao, sneakily stashing the instrument out of sight, feigning innocence.

Keqing had indeed pondered over her next encounter with Mu Jin, but this unexpected meeting was awkward, to say the least.

Even Hu Tao was jolted by the surprise.

"Isn't this the esteemed Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, Lady Keqing? What brings you to the night market to visit us?"

Keqing eyed Mu Jin, who was tucked away in hiding, and Hu Tao, who had positioned herself protectively in front. "We're here mainly because of a report from the citizens."

The area fell silent for a beat. Hu Tao, with a furrowed brow, pondered for a moment before spinning around to face Mu Jin. She leaned in close and whispered, "Time to make a run for it, or we'll get caught and have to endure another lecture."

Mu Jin nodded earnestly at Hu Tao's serious demeanor.

Her young mind didn't fully grasp the situation, but she trusted that following Hu Tao's lead was the right move.

Satisfied, Hu Tao straightened up, clasping her hands behind her back. "We haven't broken any laws. Surely, this doesn't warrant a visit from the esteemed Lord Keqing, does it?"

Keqing was momentarily at a loss for words, her mouth opening but no sound emerging.

What was the reason for her visit again?

As Keqing stood there, bewildered, Hu Tao's lips curled into a sly grin. She turned swiftly, seizing Mu Jin's hand.

"Let's bolt!"

The mischievous Kaslana bloodline within her began to bubble with excitement, and Mu Jin felt a rush of adrenaline: "Give way to Rhoda!"

She'd been itching to shout that for the longest time!

Before Keqing could gather her wits, Mu Jin and Hu Tao, hand in hand, vanished into the throng of people.

When Keqing snapped out of her daze, she was met with an empty corner.

"Lady Keqing, should we... pursue them?" a soldier inquired tentatively.

"If they've left without wrongdoing, there's no need. Let's head back."

Keqing's spirits dipped once more.

Hopefully, their next encounter wouldn't be as unfortunate.

At the Wanmin Restaurant, Hu Tao and Mu Jin took a moment to catch their breath while seated.

"The soldiers... they didn't follow us."

"Of course not. We did nothing wrong; there's no reason for them to chase us," Hu Tao reasoned, taking a sip of her tea, only to scald her tongue on the unexpected heat, her face scrunching up.

Mu Jin blew gently on her tea before taking a careful sip.

Nothing beat the comfort of Happy Noodle Soup.

She found herself missing it.

Ding! "With the Points Mall open, you can exchange items from numerous worlds!"

Startled by the sudden mechanical announcement, Mu Jin nearly lost her grip on the cup.

But then the question arose: how does one acquire points?

A single card draw earns ten points for ten consecutive draws.

Oh, well, that's a relief.

Considering she was broke and needed twenty points to unlock it, who knew how long it would take her to save up?

Hu Tao appeared to spot a familiar face in the crowd, her excitement bubbling up instantly. She stood and leaned out the window, waving frantically: "Hey, hey! Isn't that Zhongli? Zhongli! Over here, over here!"

At the sound of a name she recognized, Mu Jin's hand shook, nearly dropping her cup to the floor once more.

She stole a glance outside and saw the man with the long brown-black hair approaching at the leisurely pace of an elderly man on a stroll.

Mu Jin gulped, feigning an air of nonchalance.

Damn...

To come into contact with the Geo Archon Morax on just the second day after crossing over...

Shit... This... This is way too thrilling!

Emergency Mission: Assume the role of Zhongli, the Geo Archon. Morax currently suspects you are an incarnation of divine justice. You must clear yourself of these suspicions.

Mu Jin: Damn it, system, are you trying to screw me over???