Clang!
The sudden bad news made Chef Mao drop his spatula.
"Xiangling is missing?!"
"What exactly happened? Why would Xiangling go to Guili Plains?" Chef Mao grabbed the messenger urgently.
The man had run all the way here. After catching his breath, he explained:
"Xiangling volunteered to accompany a merchant caravan to protect them from monsters. But as soon as we reached Guili Plains, we were attacked. A large number of monsters scattered us. By the time we escaped pursuit… Xiangling had disappeared."
Chef Mao's face went pale.
The regular customers tried to comfort him—Xiangling had a Vision; she wouldn't be so easily harmed.
The messenger added that nearby Millelith forces had already gone to search and rescue.
Lu Lin finished his meal quietly while listening.
Then—
[Ding! Random mission triggered: Rescue Xiangling!]
[Mission: Rescue Xiangling in Guili Plains within three days.]
[Reward: 500,000 Mora, 100 points, 100 EXP, one random residency trait.]
Lu Lin inhaled sharply.
This was tricky.
He had only just arrived in this world. His only combat advantage was a three-minute time stop usable once per day. Physically he was fit—but still just a normal human.
From what he heard, Guili Plains was swarming with monsters. Charging in alone would be suicide.
He left Wanmin Restaurant quietly.
The system gave him three days, meaning Xiangling likely wasn't in immediate mortal danger.
He needed rest first.
The Next Morning
After sleeping inside the Serenitea Pot for the night, Lu Lin woke early and went straight to Yuehai Pavilion.
"What? Ganyu isn't here?" he asked.
Baishi, Ningguang's secretary, replied:
"Miss Ganyu received news of Xiangling's disappearance last night and rushed to Guili Plains overnight."
Right.
Xiangling was Madame Ping's disciple—by seniority, Ganyu was her elder sister in the adeptal lineage. Naturally she would rush there.
"Thank you."
Lu Lin bought two beds and bedding from Liyue Harbor, stored them in the Serenitea Pot, prepared some supplies, and headed toward Guili Plains.
Guili Plains
Once the territory of the God of Dust, Guizhong, Guili Plains had become ruins after the Archon War. Only in recent years had it slowly regained life.
Lu Lin traveled north past Mt. Tianheng and reached the outer perimeter.
The trade road toward Wangshu Inn had been temporarily sealed by the Millelith due to monster activity.
"Sir, the road ahead is closed," a Millelith soldier stopped him.
"I'm looking for Ganyu. Has she gone inside?"
"She entered several hours ago. No news yet."
Lu Lin did not rush in recklessly.
Without Ganyu, entering alone would be suicide.
Just as he was thinking—
Two figures approached from afar.
The one in front was Xingqiu. Behind him walked a lively girl.
Brown hair in twin tails. A black outfit. A distinctive hat adorned with a crimson plum blossom. Her eyes resembled plum blossoms too. Slim legs in white stockings, shorts revealing fair thighs. Youthful energy radiated from her.
A small white ghost floated beside her, baring tiny fangs playfully.
"Mr. Lu? Why are you here?" Xingqiu greeted him.
"I came to find Ganyu. I heard she entered Guili Plains. And you?"
Xingqiu introduced the girl.
"This is Hu Tao, Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
The girl handed Lu Lin a card cheerfully.
"Hello! I'm Hu Tao! Are you an adventurer? Here's my contact info—there are coupons available! If you travel with companions, we have a 'second burial half price' promotion—"
"Director Hu… now's not the time," Xingqiu quickly interrupted.
Lu Lin accepted the card with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Director Hu."
Hu Tao beamed. "Mr. Lu is broad-minded! Clearly someone extraordinary!"
"So you're both here for Xiangling?"
Xingqiu nodded. "She's my friend. I couldn't sit still after hearing the news."
Hu Tao also nodded. "This Director is here for the same matter."
"Ganyu has already gone ahead," Lu Lin said. "Since Guili Plains is dangerous, how about the three of us go together?"
Both Xingqiu and Hu Tao possessed Visions. Traveling with them would significantly increase safety.
They quickly agreed.
The Millelith allowed them through.
Within the Ruins
Guili Plains was shrouded in faint black mist. Crumbling ruins from the Archon War stood everywhere.
Soon after entering, a group of Hilichurls blocked their path.
"I'll handle this!" Xingqiu drew his sword and charged forward.
With elegant swordplay and Hydro techniques, he swiftly cut down every Hilichurl.
"Done. Let's—"
He sheathed his sword and turned around.
Then froze.
Behind him—
No one.
Where were Lu Lin and Hu Tao?!