Hearing Zhongli's words, Xiao gave a slight nod. Without another word, he vanished in a flash from the crowded shopping area.
Just then, Bosacius emerged from his shopping spree. Not seeing the short figure beside Zhongli, he couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"Mr. Zhongli, do you know where Alatus went?"
"He has his own matters to attend to." Zhongli's voice was perfectly calm, his hands clasped behind his back.
Zhongli observed that Bosacius's four hands were all laden with shopping bags. He couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. So, Bosacius enjoyed shopping?
Following behind Bosacius was a middle-aged man in a white shirt, likely the shopkeeper. Judging by his beaming smile, he was probably here for payment.
"Put it on 'Childe's' account." Mr. Zhongli didn't hesitate, naming his dedicated wallet.
"Right away, sir!" The middle-aged shopkeeper was overjoyed! The Adeptus had just bought a great many things—a huge profit!
Who knew Adepti liked shopping too? He had thought the Adepti of Liyue were above worldly matters. Today, he'd certainly gained a new perspective.
"Sigh, what a pity. I bought him some accessories and formal wear."
Bosacius sounded regretful. These items had been carefully selected before he decided to purchase them.
They were the latest styles—guaranteed to make one look sharp!
"Oh? Given Xiao's temperament, would he wear the things you bought?" Zhongli raised an eyebrow, even he couldn't help but feel a little curious.
"I can't make him, but Little Sister can! That kid Alatus will definitely listen to Little Sister!"
Bosacius waved a hand dismissively. With Little Sister by Alatus's side, getting him into these formal clothes would be no trouble at all.
"Mr. Zhongli, what do you think of this formal wear I picked out?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Bosacius pulled out the newly purchased formal wear from a bag, ready for Zhongli to appraise its quality.
"Without being custom-tailored, no matter how good the quality, there may be flaws." Mr. Zhongli stroked his chin, offering his opinion first.
"However... allow me to ask presumptuously. The Conqueror of Demons is male, correct?"
Zhongli frowned slightly as he said this, for no other reason than the fact that the formal wear in Bosacius's hand was clearly not for men!
"Yes, Alatus may be short, sometimes seeming even shorter than Little Sister, but he is undoubtedly a man."
Bosacius nodded. Why would Mr. Zhongli ask such a thing? Could he have thought Alatus was female all along? Impossible, right?
"The formal wear you selected... the quality does appear quite good, the fabric is acceptable, but this is formal wear intended for women..."
As he said this, Zhongli looked at the Yaksha before him with renewed confusion. Why buy women's clothing?
His eyes held a great deal of bewilderment.
Zhongli and Bosacius didn't have to worry about their conversation being overheard. Though surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, the Millelith "bodyguards" were no decoration.
The surrounding onlookers had been kept at a considerable distance by the Millelith, making it feel like celebrities being mobbed...
"Is that so? I specifically estimated Alatus's height and build earlier and found only this style suited him. Seems I was careless..."
Bosacius scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed. But it must be said, the women's clothing Bosacius picked would indeed suit Xiao perfectly—a perfect fit from the first try.
In the earlier days, because Bosacius had four arms, he couldn't wear ordinary clothes. He didn't mind much, simply going bare-chested.
Moreover, formal wear like this simply didn't exist in their era. Aside from Mondstadt's nobles who wore such luxuries, most people in Liyue wore simple cloth garments.
Thus, he wasn't very familiar with these formal styles. He had thought these somewhat "feminine" clothes were the contemporary fashion for men...
"That much I can understand. But what about the women's stockings, bodysuit, and that rabbit ear accessory in the shopping bag?"
Zhongli frowned. These were probably imports from Mondstadt. He had heard Mondstadt had some underground establishments with such things...
Heard it was even a legitimate industry. The Knights of Favonius couldn't say much about it either—freedom, after all!
"Oh, these things? The shopkeeper said they're the latest trend, that wearing this stuff has more... kick!"
Bosacius declared loudly, his face not reddening, his heart not racing. After all, he wasn't the one wearing this stuff; they were all gifts for Alatus.
"The Conqueror of Demons is male. Given his temperament, he would absolutely never wear attire that compromises his dignity." Zhongli countered once more.
"Well, Little Sister can wear them then! Little Sister always loved beauty. I'm sure she'd like this modern trend!" Bosacius laughed heartily.
Zhongli: "..."
At this moment, Zhongli crossed his arms, his eyes tightly shut. Having wandered Liyue for so long and witnessed countless events, he had never felt as awkward as he did today...
Simply put: 'How utterly mortifying...'
---
Qingxu Pool
The battle here was nearly over. Though the Hilichurl Shamans and Abyss Mages possessed elemental control, compared to her, they were still too weak.
Especially the Hilichurl Shamans. When channeling elemental power, they had to chant long incantations. Without protection, they were simply fragile.
Add to that, Hilichurl Shamans were already aged Hilichurls—fragile things that would break at a touch, kneel with a single hit.
Abyss Mages were different. They possessed their own intelligence and formidable elemental abilities.
If ordinary people fought them, the ordinary people would likely be the ones utterly crushed, as Abyss Mages were fond of ambushes...
But one thing had to be said: after the Abyss Mages joined the fray and began commanding the Hilichurl troops, Bonanus did feel somewhat troubled.
With a commander, the Hilichurls' chaotic attacks became tactical assaults—a significant threat indeed.
But no matter how strong you are, no matter how brilliant your tactics, facing the mighty Hydro Yaksha, it's just a single slap.
One move shattered the Abyss Mage's shield. Those shields were like paper, breaking at a touch—probably because she was just too strong?!
"Urgh... Urgh... To possess such power... Who exactly are you?"
The gravely injured Abyss Mage, now struggling on the ground, spoke with disbelief tinged with pain.
Who was this woman before them? They had never received intelligence on such a person. This power was definitely not something a Vision-bearer could achieve.
Seeing the last Abyss Mage asking about her identity in that painful, almost mechanical voice, Bonanus could only shake her head.
"You need not know, nor is it necessary. You may proceed on your way."
"Damn you all! Your arrogance won't last much longer! We can sense it—the great one who will lead us back to glory is coming soon! The Seven Archons will be destroyed in time!"
The Abyss Mage roared its final defiance. After this last shout, it choked on its last breath and went still.
"Huh? What great one? Could they be talking about one of the Twins?"
Bonanus crossed her arms, tilting her head in confusion. Could they really prophesy that? But this wasn't her concern. Right now, she needed to check the harvest after the battle.
--+--
Defeated List:
Hilichurl Berserkers: 18
Abyss Mages: 3
Ordinary Hilichurls: 73
Hilichurl Shamans: 7
Total: 2,180 Karmic Debt
Current Karmic Debt: -17,820 / 50,000
--+--
"Feels like there's still a long way to go..."
Bonanus fell into deep thought looking at the amount of Karmic Debt gained. Still in the negatives—enough to drive anyone with a slight perfectionist streak mad!
"Gotta keep pushing!" Shaking her head, Bonanus gently patted her cheeks with her large hands, adopting an expression full of determination.
Not far away, Xiao, having traveled with sparks and teleportation, finally arrived. Standing atop a hill, he swiftly searched for that familiar figure.
Once he pinpointed Bonanus's location, he vanished from the hilltop in a flash.