The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"That's right, we're here to participate in the competition to rebuild the Jade Pavilion!"

Paimon, who had been chatting with Ying for a long time and was already quite thirsty, came to his senses and reminded her with a surprised look.

Hearing this, Kiana realized that she should focus on the important matters at hand, so she smiled and said:

"If we waste too much time, we won't be able to finish the task. Let's continue the competition now."

"Hmm, very good. I did hear about that competition when I passed by earlier."

But I've heard of it?

The group looked at each other, somewhat surprised.

I never imagined that such a coincidence could happen in the world.

"What a coincidence, Shen He, you're here for the competition too? You can ask any question about the awards... Do you perhaps have some long-lost relatives you're looking for?"

Kiana stroked her chin and asked this crucial question.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to Shen He, particularly curious as to whether she had come to find someone.

Surprisingly, Shen He did not nod or express his agreement; he simply shook his head slowly.

"I did come down the mountain to rebuild the Qunyu Pavilion, but I had no intention of participating in the competition. Now that I am grateful for your help, I would like to lend you a hand. Don't worry, I don't need anything in return."

"Wow, that's so nice! You really are a kind person."

Mei clapped her hands gently in praise, which was a way of speaking on behalf of everyone.

"How could I possibly accept this? But with the help of an immortal... oh no, with the help of an immortal's disciple, things will definitely be much better, right?"

Paimon raised his hands, looking eager and extremely curious about what kind of help this white-haired girl named Shen He could offer.

As expected, Shen He slowly closed his eyes amidst the expectant gazes of her and everyone else.

"Right now, I have a battle plan."

A battle plan? If it was Shen He who proposed it, it must be a particularly effective one, right?

Everyone eagerly awaited to know what kind of plan this immortal's disciple had.

As expected, Shen He slowly opened his eyes and then proposed a simple, straightforward, and direct solution.

"I'm not sure how powerful it is, but it should be very effective. As long as we eliminate all the people ranked higher than us, we will become number one."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

This is a really simple, straightforward, and direct solution... If you want to win a game, all you have to do is eliminate all the other competitors.

Then all difficulties will disappear.

What a wise and decisive solution! It's something that most people wouldn't come up with.

Well, the disciples of immortals certainly can't be considered ordinary people, right?

Luminous and Paimon both covered their foreheads, looking utterly helpless. Kiana and Mei, on the other hand, exchanged knowing smiles, completely disregarding the battle plan.

"what happened?"

Although Shen He is not very good at communicating with people, he still understands basic principles.

Therefore, when she saw the embarrassed looks on everyone's faces, she realized that her plan might not be popular.

"Is it not allowed?"

"Well, if we do that, Ningguang will probably be angry, right?" Kiana spread her hands, explaining quite frankly.

"Really? But I've heard that competition itself is about backstabbing and scheming..."

Hmm... should I say she's naive and innocent, or perhaps ethereal and otherworldly? If we disregard human relationships and look at it from the perspective of a celestial being, perhaps such a thought is understandable. However, this is Liyue, a Liyue now governed by humans.

If a disciple of the immortals does not abide by the rules of Liyue, they will most likely be punished and expelled, right?

"If that's the case, she probably won't be happy either..."

Thinking of this, Kiana then quite directly waved to Shen He and said:

"Shen He, I think you need to understand that competition doesn't have to be a fight to the death. If you win by means outside of the competition itself, no one will ultimately accept it."

"Methods outside of the competition...maybe my thinking is a bit too direct?"

"It's not just some, it's all."

Kiana sighed, then spread her hands towards Luminous and Paimon.

"It seems there are only three types of materials needed to rebuild the Qunyu Pavilion. Let's find them in order."

"Alright. It seems taking shortcuts won't work; we'll have to use our skills to get ahead of the game."

Ying and Paimon nodded, and then... nothing happened.

Because everyone has only now discovered a very serious problem: where exactly to find the three treasures is still uncertain!

"Hmm, just as I expected, at a time like this..."

Realizing that no one had any clue, Kiana naturally turned her attention to Sirin, who was hiding behind her.

Do you have any clues?

The implication was clear: tell us where to look right away.

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 25 How can Miss Xingqiu become even more charming?

"Oh? You finally remembered me? Heh, I really wanted to tell you directly, but there's no need, because he's already here."

"Who's coming—!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of footsteps sounded.

Following the direction of the sound, everyone was astonished to see a green-haired man wearing glasses slowly ascending the steps. Only after they noticed him did he smile slightly, tilt his head back, and exclaim in admiration:

"Oh, traveler? Are these all your friends?"

"Atractylodes macrocephala?!"

After recognizing the other party's identity, both Ying and Paimon showed expressions of surprise.

They never imagined they would run into the owner of Bubulu here. And what a coincidence that they would appear at a time when they were discussing their next move!

Completely surprised, Paimon asked without thinking:

"Bai Zhu? Why are you here?"

"..."

Bai Shu, the owner of Bubulu, remained silent for a moment, then his smile faded. He covered his forehead in surprise, seemingly unsure how to answer.

But it's okay, something else will answer for him if he doesn't.

"How rude! This is Bubulu. Is it strange that we've come back?"

Paimon was speechless upon hearing this, while the others suddenly realized what was going on.

Upon closer examination, it does make sense. Is it strange that Bai Zhu, the owner, would return to his own herbal medicine shop? No, it's not. Is it shameful? No, it's not.

"Hehe... So, now can you tell me why you're standing here?"

After the initial awkwardness, Bai Shu regained his composure and began to ask everyone why they had come.

Of course, one must show considerable sincerity before inquiring about someone's purpose in coming. Otherwise, it would be impolite. Therefore, Bai Shu made sure to subtly mention the reason for his visit while asking.

“Miss Ningguang needs to purchase a batch of wound medicine, but the medicine in the shop may not be enough, so I came here personally to prepare it.”

Healing medicine? Isn't this for the wounded? However, there is no war in Liyue now, and the Thousand Rock Army rarely encounters monsters or mechanical hunters when they patrol.

Why would Ningguang buy so many healing potions during such a peaceful time?

Unable to figure out the reason, Kiana and the others inquired about the matter.

As a result, Atractylodes macrocephala's answer was very polite and standardized, even formulaic.

"I don't know either. I heard she's rebuilding Qunyu Pavilion, maybe she needs it for the construction site? Anyway, it's a guest's privacy, so I can't ask too much. She also borrowed Qiqi from me. Bubu Lu is really short-staffed right now. Would you guys like to stay and do some part-time work?"

Upon hearing that Qiqi had been "borrowed," everyone was stunned again. First of all... can zombies really be borrowed? Secondly, if Qiqi has been borrowed, then Yaoyao is the only one left to gather herbs at Bubu Lodge?

Isn't it too much to ask one person to do all the work? Especially when a wealthy person is making a large-scale purchase.

Looking at it this way, Ah Gui, who is still waiting for goods to arrive in the store, must be in despair.

Of course, these are no longer things that Kiana and the others should care about. Compared to causing trouble for others, it is more important to focus on winning the Jade Pavilion Tournament.

Therefore, without much hesitation, everyone truthfully revealed the materials needed by the Jade Pavilion.

Upon hearing about the three extremely rare and unusual materials, Bai Shu stroked his chin and pondered for a moment.

Standing on the steps, he was slender and looked rather tall, much like the white snake tied around his neck like a scarf.

In addition, there are green eyes and pale yellow pupils.

It inexplicably makes one feel that this is a snake demon that has come to be a spirit...

Of course, this is merely an illusion. It's important to know that there are many hidden masters in Liyue Harbor. If this man with such a unique appearance were truly some kind of demon...

It's probably been exposed long ago, right?

"I might have some clues about the Floating Stone."

Finally, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Bai Shu slowly raised his head, spread his hands, and began to explain.

After a brief exchange, everyone understood what he meant.

After patiently listening to Bai Shu's unrestrained speech, Kiana hesitated for a moment before summarizing directly:

"You don't have it here, but the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild probably wouldn't have it. So, where should I go to ask?"

"Haha, that's right. This young lady is truly exceptionally intelligent."

Oh... so this is what you call being incredibly clever?

Bai Shu's respectful attitude made Kiana feel somewhat uncomfortable.

However, as the saying goes, you can't hit a smiling face. When someone praises you, you can't exactly respond with a bad attitude, can you?

Out of consideration for reciprocity, Kiana smiled and scratched the back of her head:

"Your praise is a bit unexpected. Alright, let's head to the Flying Cloud Chamber of Commerce now. Although I wasn't of much help, thanks anyway, Bai Shu."