Even though it had only been half a day, Nicole acted as if she hadn't seen Sam Li in ages and hurried over.

Nicole coughed lightly and asked, "Sam Li, is this where you used to work?"

Sam Li nodded slowly. "This place is called Wangsheng Funeral Parlor..."

When Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been mentioned earlier, Nicole already knew it was a funeral business.

On the side.

Nekomata couldn't help but urge, "Nicole, Sam Li, Hu Tao, hurry up, I'm starving, meow..."

Hu Tao chuckled. "Alright, let's go."

Nicole: "..."

Soon after, everyone arrived at Wanmin Hall and once again met Xiangling and Guoba.

Although it was their first time meeting Guoba, everyone still couldn't help but feel surprised upon seeing him again.

This little guy was neither a Bangboo...

nor a Thiren...

Could he really be what Paimon had said before—a mighty god who had lived for two thousand years?

But with such a harmless appearance, he didn't look powerful at all... He probably couldn't even defeat the weakest Ethereal.

Seeing so many people arrive, Xiangling was overjoyed. She quickly came over to welcome them and invited everyone to sit down.

There were too many of them—one table wasn't enough, and they had to use two tables just to fit.

"Keqing, Traveler, Hu Tao, Paimon... and our guests from New... something or other, what would you like to eat?"

"What would you like to eat?"

Instead of ordering directly, Keqing looked toward Zhu Yuan and Tsukishiro Yanagi.

Hearing this, Nekomata immediately perked up. "Steamed fish, braised fish—either one works!"

Anby was silent for a moment. "Hamburger..."

Of course, there were no hamburgers here.

Billy was even more absurd, actually trying to order gun oil, leaving Xiangling completely bewildered.

Gun oil? What was that supposed to be?

Keqing sighed. "I'll handle it. One steamed perch, one braised wild boar, four-joy meatballs, and..."

Keqing rattled off a long list of dishes.

Chef Mao in the kitchen was quick and efficient, and before long, the first dish was served.

Paimon cheered happily, "Nicole, Anby, Nekomata, Zhu Yuan, come on, try it! This is authentic Liyue cuisine."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuan and Tsukishiro Yanagi exchanged glances.

From the presentation alone, the dishes looked quite different from those in New Eridu. But after taking a bite, their eyes lit up.

The taste was excellent.

Whether in texture or flavor, it was no worse than the finest restaurants in Lumina Square.

As they ate, Paimon glanced at Keqing, then at Tsukishiro Yanagi and the others, and brought up the real purpose of their visit to Liyue: "How's the cooperation plan you discussed earlier? Tsukishiro Yanagi, Mikhail—now that you've come to Liyue, are you willing to lead New Eridu in joining Liyue?"

At that, Keqing immediately set down her chopsticks.

Beside her, Tsukishiro Yanagi and Zhu Yuan didn't reply, instead turning to look at Mikhail, president of the Hollows Investigation Association.

He was the true decision-maker of the New Eridu delegation.

After a pause, Mikhail said slowly, "I admit, Liyue is indeed powerful. Not only do you command space teleportation technology, but you've even mastered the legendary levitation arts and built a massive palace in the sky..."

Then his tone shifted. "But such technology would be difficult to apply directly in battle."

Hearing this, Paimon immediately retorted, "You're underestimating the Jade Chamber! It's not just a palace—it can be used as a weapon in times of crisis. If brought to New Eridu, it could instantly crush a high-ranking Ethereal."

Just like before, when it was dropped into the sea to subdue an Archon.

However, Mikhail couldn't help but suppress a laugh at her words.

To him, wielding such advanced technology in that way was far from a wise choice.

That was why he still hesitated.

Though he had witnessed many incredible things in Liyue, none of them could stand against Hollow Zero.

After a moment of silence, Mikhail suddenly said, "If possible, I would like to meet the Adeptus you mentioned earlier..."

He had heard more than once from Keqing and the others how powerful the Adepti were. Supposedly, that youth named Xiao was one of them.

Yet in his judgment, even someone as strong as Xiao would not be able to suppress Hollow Zero.

Unless... an even stronger being existed.

After speaking, Mikhail turned to Keqing.

Keqing was silent for a moment, then said, "The Adepti are elusive and hard to find. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the Jade Chamber first. If all goes well, afterward we'll head to Mount Aozang to seek Cloud Retainer."

At the mention of Cloud Retainer, Paimon suddenly thought of something, her eyes lighting up.

Cloud Retainer had already moved from Mount Aozang to Liyue Harbor—but it seemed Keqing didn't know that yet.

If they were lucky, they might even run into her on the street tomorrow—or the day after.

At that moment, Xiangling came over with another steaming plate of food. "If you need anything else, just let me know."

With so many guests this time, Xiangling was extremely busy.

Paimon said seriously, "Xiangling, Guoba, this is plenty. You don't have to keep working—come eat with us."

Hearing this, Guoba waddled over without hesitation.

But Xiangling shook her head earnestly. "There are still other customers waiting for their dishes. You all go ahead and eat. I'll help my dad in the kitchen..."

With that, she hurried away.

Just as everyone was savoring Wanmin Hall's dishes, a commotion suddenly rose from outside the entrance.

The nearby citizens had gathered, chattering noisily.

Zhu Yuan frowned. "What's going on out there? Some kind of incident?"

Arataki Itto looked just as puzzled. "What are they talking about? They're so loud... sounds like something about a bird?"

A bird?

Paimon seemed to realize something and quickly suggested, "Let's go take a look."

The Traveler nodded. "Alright..."

Together, they walked to the door of Wanmin Hall.

There, a crowd of Liyue Harbor citizens had gathered, all craning their necks to stare at the rooftops.

Following their gaze, Paimon's expression instantly turned into one that said, "Just as I thought..."

It really was that woman.

Beside her, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, President Mikhail, Nicole, Nekomata, and the others all looked stunned.

Nekomata even cried out, "Meow—what a big bird!"

On the rooftop stood a massive bird, taller than a grown man, graceful in posture and extraordinary in bearing, like a crane straight out of an old-era film.