In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Wang Yan was contemplating whether to return to the hotel directly or explore the night market when he noticed a tall figure leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in the shadow of a pillar not far away.

It's Beidou.

She seemed to have expected Wang Yan to come out at this time. Hearing footsteps, she turned around with a cheerful smile on her face: "Finished chatting?"

Wang Yan was somewhat surprised and moved closer: "Captain Beidou, were you waiting for me?"

Beidou straightened up and nodded, saying, "Of course, now that we've brought you here, we have to send you back."

As they spoke, the two walked side by side down the steps below the Jade Capital Platform. Beidou turned to look at him again: "Did that woman give you any benefits?"

Wang Yan shook his head and said truthfully, "Lord Tianquan said we will discuss it in detail tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Beidou raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It seems things aren't in too much of a rush after all."

She paused, then gently nudged Wang Yan with her shoulder and whispered, "Then remember to ask for more benefits tomorrow. Don't be shy, that woman is not short of money."

Wang Yan was amused by her straightforward 'instigation' and nodded in agreement, "Haha, okay, I'll remember that."

The two had descended the long steps of Yujing Terrace and returned to the streets of Feiyunpo.

As night deepened, the number of pedestrians did not decrease significantly. The night in Chibi remained lively, with cars and horses constantly coming and going in front of various glamorous shops.

Beidou glanced at the crowd around him and asked, "Where do you live? I'll take you home."

This time, Wang Yan didn't refuse again and pointed in a direction: "The White Horse Inn at the North Wharf."

"White Horse Inn?" Beidou thought for a moment and then realized, "Oh, it's the inn that Paimon mentioned earlier, the one run by Old Man Lu, right?"

Wang Yan nodded: "Yes, but I have never met that old man Lu."

“Alright, let’s go then,” Beidou waved his hand and said as he walked, “Go back early and get some rest. If you’re going to see Ningguang tomorrow, do you need me to go with you? So that woman won’t put on airs.”

She was still very loyal. Although she had tested Wang Yan several times before, it was ultimately she who introduced Wang Yan to Ning Guang. If Wang Yan needed her help to fight for his interests, Bei Dou would naturally lend a hand.

However, Wang Yan politely declined this kind offer.

"Thank you for your kindness, Captain Beidou, but tomorrow's work will probably just involve translating documents, so I can go by myself."

"Sure! If you need anything, just come to the South Wharf and find my fleet. Just give me my name."

Beidou laughed and patted him hard on the back.

She is indeed generous.

The two chatted casually, from the changes in Liyue Harbor to their experiences at sea, and before they knew it, they had arrived at their destination.

Not far away, the lights of the White Horse Inn shone with a hazy glow.

Beidou stopped and gestured with his chin toward the hotel: "We're here. I won't go any further. You should get some rest."

"Alright, Captain Beidou, take care."

Wang Yan cupped his hands in greeting, watched the other person leave, and then walked towards the inn.

As an inn, [White Horse Inn] is naturally open 24 hours a day, so even if Wang Yan returns late, he doesn't need to call for someone to open the door.

Upon entering the hotel, I saw Xiuhua sitting behind the counter, dozing off.

Perhaps hearing the noise, she groggily opened her eyes and suddenly noticed a figure in front of her. Startled, she stood up.

Once he regained consciousness, he realized that the person was a guest.

"Our distinguished guest is back. Would you like some hot water to wash up?" Xiuhua patted her chest and asked.

"Sorry for waking you up," Wang Yan apologized, then nodded. "If it's not too much trouble, then please have some hot water. If you can, could you also cook me a bowl of noodles?"

He skipped dinner and ate some lotus flower pastries at the Heyu Tea House.

We originally planned to go to Xinyuexuan or Liuliting, but Zhongli took us to see an antique exhibition, and then we went to Yuehaiting with Beidou. We didn't have time to find food.

“No problem, you can go back to your room first, I’ll bring it to you in a bit.” Xiuhua nodded in agreement.

"Okay." Wang Yan turned around and went upstairs to her room to rest.

...

Back in the room, the faint scent of incense brought a slight sense of relaxation.

Wang Yan walked to the table in the room and sat down, beginning to review the day's events.

His initial visits to the Manmin Hall and the Adventurers' Association were all part of his own plan.

It wasn't until I actually met Zhong Li at the He Yu Tea House that I was guided by him to the antique exhibition.

Of course, this guidance was Wang Yan's own choice, and there was no situation where she was deceived.

"Zhong Li probably wants me to translate the words of the angel. When Zi Bai is resurrected, I can use this as an excuse to ask her about angelic blessings."

"I feel uneasy until I understand where the responsibility for giving blessings comes from."

"Also... you can get a reward for helping Ningguang tomorrow..."

"Want Mora? No, it's unnecessary. Although we don't have much money right now, with the toothpaste factory, the income can still cover the research expenses. We're not that short of money."

"He should ask Ningguang for knowledge as a reward, as a scholar."

Wang Yan pondered for a moment and quickly chose his target: "Liyue Celestial Register... As an epistemologist who studies writing and runes, it is reasonable for me to propose the Celestial Register as a bargaining chip to help."

"Even if Ningguang bargains and only provides some basic knowledge of immortal records in the end, it is still a very good gain for me."

Wang Yan had already come into contact with the Liyue Celestial Register before.

A single amulet and the words "Iwa-kun's decree, protect my peace" were enough to suppress the side effects of the Inazuma Yin-Yang Technique, demonstrating the power of this skill.

Most importantly, Wang Yan has learned the technology of the Endermen, but due to his weak understanding of the basics of Liyue runes, he has some difficulty mastering the Sleep Gate technology.

This was very difficult for Wang Yan.

It's like learning how to make guns, but getting stuck on the rifling part – how frustrating!

If I can supplement my basic understanding of the Liyue Celestial Register with Ningguang, that would be a great gain.

As I was pondering, there was a knock at the door.

"Guest, may I come in?"

It was Xiuhua's voice.

Wang Yan replied, "It's convenient."

The door was pushed open, and Xiuhua walked in carrying a food tray with a bowl of noodles and a small dish of side dishes on it.

Behind her followed a man carrying two large buckets of water.

"Just leave it there after the guests finish eating, and the same goes for the water. We'll come and clean it up tomorrow," Xiuhua reminded him, placing the plates on the table in front of Wang Yan.

The man carrying the bucket went behind the screen and poured the water into the bathtub.

Wang Yan nodded: "Okay, thank you."

"You flatter me, sir. There's no trouble at all," Xiuhua said with a smile. Seeing the waiter come out, she greeted him, "Then we'll be going now. Please call me anytime if you need anything. I'll be downstairs."

"Oh, by the way, would you like breakfast tomorrow morning?"

"Please prepare a serving for me and leave it at the door, along with hot water."

"Okay, guest."

The two left.

Wang Yan was probably really hungry. He finished his noodles and side dishes in a few minutes, then took a nice, relaxing shower before going back to bed.

Feeling the comfort of the silk bedding, he quickly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 120 Grandma Ping and Yao Yao

The next morning.

Wang Yan woke up amidst the hustle and bustle of the North Wharf.

The sounds of boatmen's chants, vendors' calls, and the rolling of carts and wheelbarrows filled the air.

It wasn't that the soundproofing at [White Horse Inn] was too poor, but rather that after receiving the blessing of the Flower Goddess, Wang Yan's physique improved, and correspondingly, his hearing also became much stronger.

This is probably just a small negative effect that comes with so many benefits.

I got up from the silk quilt, feeling that a good night's sleep had washed away the weariness of the journey.

I walked to the window, and with a creak, I pushed open the wooden window. The crisp morning breeze, carrying the unique salty scent of the harbor, rushed in.

The sun was rising from the eastern horizon, casting its golden-red rays upon the sky. A gentle hand caressed the skin, and even the heart felt brightened.

Comfortable!

After quietly enjoying the morning light by the window for a moment, Wang Yan turned and walked towards the door.

Upon opening the door, one sees a wicker food box placed squarely on the ground at the entrance, next to a copper kettle of steaming water, which is the water for breakfast and washing that was agreed upon yesterday.

After carrying the food box and copper pot back to the house, I washed up with hot water and immediately felt refreshed.

Returning to the table, I opened the food box. Inside was a bowl of thick, fragrant white porridge, along with three refreshing side dishes. The food box was exquisitely made and kept the porridge warm, still steaming.

Wang Yan finished his meal slowly and deliberately. After the porridge and dishes entered his stomach, a warm feeling spread from his spleen and stomach.

The second day in Liyue started off very comfortably.

After finishing his meal, he took out a Liyue-style outfit from his luggage and changed into it. He had bought it back in Sumeru.

I haven't worn it before, but I'm going to Moonsea Pavilion today, so I'll change into Liyue clothes so I won't stand out too much.

After all, with Ningguang's token, there's no need to wear a scholar's robe to prove her identity.

After going downstairs, I found that the person in charge behind the front desk had changed to a middle-aged woman, not Xiuhua from last night, but she was just as friendly and attentive.

Upon seeing Wang Yan come downstairs, the steward immediately stood up to greet him: "Good morning, esteemed guest. Did you sleep well last night?"

“Very good, thank you for your trouble.” Wang Yan nodded and added, “The room needs to be cleaned later, don’t move the luggage.”

"Don't worry, the people in our shop are very disciplined. I'll arrange for someone to go up and clean up right away." The manager nodded repeatedly, called over a servant and gave him detailed instructions, then smiled at Wang Yan and said, "Hot water and tea are always ready. If you need anything else, just let me know."

Wang Yan thanked him and left.

Even without Beidou accompanying him today, Wang Yan wasn't in a hurry. He strolled leisurely towards Yujingtai, occasionally stopping to look at the roadside stalls and vendors. If he heard any gossip, he would join in to listen. He seemed no different from the locals of Liyue.

In a corner of Feiyunpo Street, some men dressed as ordinary people kept glancing at Wang Yan's figure with curious eyes.

Secret agent of the General Affairs Department.

They received their mission last night to investigate this Liyue scholar who returned from Sumeru.

However, after searching all night, the General Affairs Department found that there was no such person as Wang Yan in the Liyue household register.

Of course, this situation is not uncommon. Liyue's household registration system is relatively ancient, and many people who live in seclusion in the mountains, such as some mountain people of Tianheng Mountain and some tribes in Shenyu Valley, do not have household registration.

It's not surprising that Wang Yan doesn't have a household registration. What's surprising is that Wang Yan not only doesn't have a household registration, but there's not even the slightest trace of his existence.

This is strange. You see, not having a household registration only means you are not registered, but there is no trace of you. This means that you appeared out of thin air!

However, for secret agents, everything requires clues. A person cannot appear out of thin air. Therefore, they had been monitoring the White Horse Inn since early on, preparing to follow Wang Yan and investigate.

On the street, Wang Yan, like any ordinary passerby, watched an argument unfold before leisurely continuing his walk.

His gaze casually swept over the surrounding buildings and scenery, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll.

In reality, he noticed those eyes that were watching him from time to time as soon as he stepped out of the inn.

The enhanced senses granted by the goddess of flowers, combined with his keen observation skills honed under Erosian's tutelage, allowed him to expose these secret agents of the General Affairs Department, who were already quite well-known to ordinary people.

Of course, Wang Yan wasn't surprised at all. After all, Bei Dou had subconsciously inquired about his background, so Ning Guang naturally couldn't believe him directly.

Anyone who comes into contact with the upper echelons of Liyue or the Seven Stars will inevitably be investigated by the General Affairs Department.

To put it bluntly, if you were to join a new company before time travel, the company would want to know how you left your previous job.

Ignoring the gazes of the spies, Wang Yan crossed the lotus pond, stepped onto the steps, and ascended the Jade Capital Terrace.

The tea stalls that were deserted last night are now open for business near the entrance.

An elderly woman with white hair was boiling water, and a wisp of tea fragrance wafted to Wang Yan's nose.

Meanwhile, next to the old woman, a little girl of about eleven or twelve years old was helping with the work.