Suppressing the urge to get back at Xingqiu for his long-distance prank, Gu Sanqiu put a peculiar whistle to his lips and blew, producing an odd sound.
"Yah!"
Several Hilichurl archers peeked out from their high vantage points. Once they recognized the whistle Gu Sanqiu was waving and the token in Hu Tao's hand, they lowered their weapons.
One of them even broke into a little dance, only to lose his footing and tumble from the ledge with a startled yelp.
"These guys are still as clumsy as ever..."
Gu Sanqiu raised his left hand, using a gentle gust of Anemo to catch the falling Hilichurl and set him safely aside.
"Yah, lelele!"
The rescued Hilichurl received a smack on the head from another Hilichurl carrying an old, bloodstained quiver. It seemed this one was the leader of the sentries.
"Long time no see, Elder. How have you been?"
Gu Sanqiu handed over a leather pouch with a grin. "Some pure, high-proof liquor. Just make sure you don't drink it while on duty."
The elder visibly brightened and accepted the pouch happily. Waving toward the depths of the valley, he gestured for the pair not to disrupt the others' work.
"Unbelievable! Why do they always only greet you? Can't they see the smart, adorable, and beautiful Hall Master standing right here?"
Hu Tao pouted indignantly.
No—be confident—she was definitely being ignored!
"Maybe it's because I'm the one who always brings them gifts?"
"Oh, like I haven't brought them supplies too!"
"Sure, but giving them study materials and little snacks doesn't quite compare to gifting them novels and illustrated books they can enjoy during breaks, does it?"
A critical hit. Hu Tao slumped in defeat.
"...Fair enough."
"Relax. Why do you always get competitive over the weirdest things?"
Gu Sanqiu patted her shoulder. "We're here on official business this time, and we won't stay long."
"Well, well, it's been ages since I've seen the two little ones. What wind blew you over this time?"
Ahead of them, a burly Geo Hilichurl Shaman approached, accompanied by several large Hilichurl berserkers.
"Greetings, Elder," Gu Sanqiu and Hu Tao said, bowing respectfully.
"Heh heh, just so you know, visiting me isn't cheap. I hope you've brought something worthwhile."
"Oh, we came prepared!"
Hu Tao giggled mischievously, then kicked Gu Sanqiu in the shin.
Unfazed, he calmly produced several crates of supplies, stacking them neatly at his side.
"Ooooh..."
The Hilichurl berserkers glanced at the Shaman, and after he nodded, they began carrying the crates to their storage area.
"While we can sustain ourselves here, some things can only be obtained from the outside world. Heh."
The Shaman turned to the pair. "So, what's brought you here this time? Out with it."
"Hehe, Elder, I was just wondering—why are you so different from the other Hilichurl Shamans? I've never met one as clever as you."
"Hoho, the young lady of the Hu Clan sure knows how to talk."
The Shaman turned his gaze to Gu Sanqiu, clearly aware of who was leading the visit.
"Elder, this time I need your people's help. I'd like to collect detailed data on Hilichurl combat techniques."
"Hmm? Combat?"
The Shaman's tone turned serious. "Are we preparing for war?"
"Not exactly. I just have an idea that requires your people's cooperation. It won't take long."
Gu Sanqiu smiled, spreading his hands. "Besides, Elder, you know as well as I do that most of your kin outside aren't particularly inclined to cooperate with us."
"Hahaha, and rightly so. If there are ever more of my kin willing to work with you outsiders, I'll be delighted."
The Shaman turned and began walking. "Come on, little ones. As long as no harm comes to my people, do as you wish."
"Thank you, Elder."
Gu Sanqiu bowed again before following the Shaman at a respectful distance, outlining his requirements as they walked.
"A secret domain powered purely by elemental energy? Fascinating. I've never heard of such a thing."
Gu Sanqiu sighed. "Elder, it's no surprise. You haven't left Resting Valley in ages. This concept was developed by a friend of one of my ancestors in Inazuma."
"Interesting, interesting."
The Shaman, also known as the Resting Elder, glanced at the Hilichurls and berserkers nearby.
"Do as you wish. You're all familiar with each other by now."
Gu Sanqiu got to work, while Hu Tao poured the Elder a cup of tea. She then fixed her wide, eager eyes on him.
"Hu Clan's young lady, you're not still hung up on that question, are you?"
"Of course I am! I really want to know how you learned our language, Elder."
Hu Tao clasped her hands together, looking at him pleadingly.
"Elder, you're the best. Please tell me!"
"Ah, learning your language back then wasn't any less painful than enduring a curse... No, never mind. Such heavy topics aren't worth discussing."
The Elder shook his head. "But what choice did I have? Before meeting your ancestors, my people were always running and hiding.
"Even if learning your language didn't allow us to interact with others normally, understanding you was a huge convenience."
"Ohhh, I see."
The Elder chuckled. "Little Hu, did you know? I don't fully agree with what that boy said earlier."
"Huh?"
The Elder smiled. "The Resting Valley is home to peaceful souls—those who might even be called weak. We've gathered here to enjoy the tranquility of this life.
"My people aren't my subordinates. Everyone here is family.
"Other Hilichurls may not understand our way of life, just as we cannot comprehend why they lose control at the sight of other living beings."
"Perhaps... though it's just a theory... we might simply be anomalies."
"With no new additions to the Resting Valley, every member is precious."
The Elder looked at Hu Tao. "Your life force has grown significantly since your last visit. That's a sign of good fortune."
"Hmph! That's not good fortune!"
Hu Tao huffed. "That busybody over there forced me to eat some weird stuff. It was awful!"
"Hahaha! The Resting Valley's peace might indeed be disrupted by your arrival."
The Elder glanced at Gu Sanqiu. "I can see he cares deeply for those around him. Otherwise, someone like him could spend his life indulging in endless pleasure and luxury.
"Just as the books you've brought say: Good medicine tastes bitter, and truthful words are hard to hear."
"Hmph."
Hu Tao turned away. "He's just a little schemer. How dare he treat the great Hall Master like this? Unforgivable!"
---
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it… or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf