Walnut used me to boost her sales performance.

Unfortunately, the completely out-of-tune notes brought no romantic feeling whatsoever; instead, they seemed quite comical.

Chapter 430 Hall Master, remember to miss me!

"Don't make noise late at night."

Hu Tao reached out and took the guqin off Jiang Bai's lap, placed it in a comfortable position, and gently plucked the strings with both hands.

"Master, you can play the zither?" Jiang Bai asked, propping his head up with one hand and looking at her curiously.

"I learned some music theory from Xin Yan, so he's definitely better than you."

Hu Tao gently plucked the strings, and a clear, melodious sound emanated from it. Although it was impossible to discern the tune, it was certainly more pleasant to listen to than Jiang Bai's haphazard playing.

"As expected of the Hall Master, you are truly remarkable! Compared to my playing, the Hall Master's music is like heavenly music, giving me a feeling of hearing celestial music and my ears being instantly enlightened..." Jiang Bai praised.

Hu Tao's lips curled up slightly, but she still said with composure, "Don't try that. I know my own level very well."

"I will play you a piece by the master of this hall, Qiuqiu Yao, on the guqin."

As Hu Tao spoke, she got into position and began playing the piano and singing.

Although it might be considered a disturbance to the residents, there weren't many people at the Rebirth Hall, so no one bothered to argue with the eccentric hall master.

Fortunately, Hu Tao was just playing around and didn't play for long.

She handed the guqin back to Jiang Bai, lay down on the roof, and held the back of her head with both hands to look at the moon.

After watching for a while, she turned her head to look at Jiang Bai, who was fiddling with the guqin.

In the darkness, his face was not clearly visible, but his sharply defined features were still striking even in the night.

Although she wasn't obsessed with looks, she had to admit that Jiang Bai was very good-looking; he was handsome from every angle.

Especially when he's seriously doing something, he's completely different from his usual unserious self.

I miss him a lot since I haven't seen him for a while; it's made my days less interesting.

"You won't be back from Inazuma for at least a month or two, will you?"

"Mm." Jiang Bai nodded.

"I've never been to Inazuma, so I don't know what it's like there. If the voyage goes smoothly, it should take about half a month to reach Inazuma. I don't know where that client is in Inazuma either; I guess it'll take another half a month or so to find him..."

"This is the first time you've traveled so far alone for so long," Hu Tao said with a hint of melancholy.

Jiang Bai has been at the Hall of Rebirth for so long. He has gone out before, but he only stays for half a month at most before coming back. It's really hard to get used to not seeing him for a month or two.

"Is the sect leader worried about me?"

Jiang Bai suddenly leaned his head closer. He propped himself up on a tile with one hand, leaned half his body against the wall, and looked down at Hu Tao lying there.

The moon was right above him, but his eyes shone even brighter than the moonlight.

"Yes, my younger brother is about to embark on a long journey, and I, the sect leader, am understandably worried..."

"Really? Then, Master, would you like to come with me?"

"No, I need to oversee the Hall of Rebirth and don't have time to go to Inazuma. Besides, you can use the ley line anchors, so it's more convenient for you to move around alone."

"All right......"

Jiang Bai felt a little regretful, but it was indeed as Hu Tao had said, that it would be much more convenient for him to act alone.

Although I previously said to use leyline anchors sparingly, for long-distance, international travel, if anchor point teleportation is available, then I will definitely use anchor point teleportation.

"Then, Master, remember to think of me!"

Hu Tao adopted the air of a hall master and waved his hand, "Although I am very busy, I will still find time to think of you."

She sat up and instructed Jiang Bai, "I have gathered a lot of information about Inazuma during this period, but because Inazuma is closed off from the country, very little news has come out."

"All I know is that Inazuma's situation is complicated right now; they're engaged in a civil war, and the atmosphere is very tense. If you run into trouble, try contacting Kong; he can get by anywhere. Besides, you're both in Inazuma, so you can look after each other..."

"I'm not sure what the situation is like in Inazuma. Your main purpose this time is to collect the remains of our clients. It's best not to get involved in their civil war. Thor isn't like our Emperor; if you cause trouble, no one will be able to save you..."

Hu Tao rambled on and on.

During the time Jiang Bai was away from Liyue Harbor, she inquired about Inazuma from various sources.

There was no way around it; Inazuma was too far away, and even she had never been there. It was inevitable that she would worry about Jiang Bai going to such an unfamiliar place.

Jiang Bai listened attentively to Hu Tao's explanation, and nodded after she finished, saying, "I've remembered it all."

"Don't worry, Master. As soon as I find the teleportation point, I'll be back immediately. I'll bring you some local specialties from Inazuma to try..."

"Yes, if anything happens, send me a message using the telepathic device. Although I can't get there in time, I can still offer some advice..."

The next day, early in the morning.

Kong, who had slept soundly all night, knocked on Jiang Bai's courtyard gate.

"Get up! Time to go to the martial arts tournament!" Paimon's voice came through the door into the courtyard.

Jiang Bai, who had been woken up, yawned as he opened the door. His hair was messy and he was still not fully awake.

"So early..."

Paimon counted on his fingers, "It's getting late. We still need to eat breakfast, take a boat to Lonely Cloud Pavilion, draw lots there, and gather intelligence on our opponents. So many things to do, we need to hurry..."

"There's not much need to know the intelligence, is there? With Kong's strength, winning the championship should be a sure thing, right?"

"That's not necessarily true! The competition rules prohibit the use of elemental power, and there are so many hidden talents in Liyue. Even though it's just a small competition, there might be some really powerful people among them!"

Paimon thought of Jiang Xue, who often fished at Wangshu Inn.

Jiang Xue looked ordinary and didn't possess any divine eyes.

But this seemingly ordinary fisherman was able to easily defeat the Ruin Guard, who even Kong would have some trouble dealing with.

From that moment on, Paimon dared not underestimate anyone.

The seemingly ordinary street sweeper might just be a master slayer!

"That's true. I didn't expect you to be so cautious, Paimon. You've really improved!" Jiang Bai gave her a thumbs up.

Paimon was completely unmoved by Jiang Bai's praise. She crossed her arms and huffed, "Hmph! Are you saying I didn't think before I did things?"

"I didn't say that, you said it yourself!"

"That's what you mean! Ugh, I'm so angry!"

Seeing that the two had started arguing, Kong quickly separated them.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing so early in the morning. Didn't you say you were going to watch the game with Hu Tao? Hu Tao's already up, Jiang Bai, you should go wash up..."

Jiang Bai yawned and went back to his room to change his clothes.

After washing up, he scooped up Gudu, who also wanted to go out and play, and put him on his shoulder. He took a few steamed buns and eggs from the kitchen for breakfast, and then took a boat with Hu Taokong to Guyun Pavilion.

Chapter 431 When did you bring that megaphone?!

Because of the martial arts tournament, the usually quiet Lonely Cloud Pavilion was unusually lively.

Although it was just a small competition, everyone who participated was extremely enthusiastic about the prize, which was an unclaimed Eye of God.

The stage was very simple, just an open space cordoned off with simple ropes. Those responsible for drawing lots, registering, and maintaining order were all crew members from the Dead Star.

The Death Star was parked nearby, and Captain Beidou had arrived early in the morning.

"Hey, our great hero has arrived!"

When she saw Kong arrive, she called out, drawing everyone's attention.

Seeing that Kong had really arrived, many of the contestants were very excited.

As an honorary knight who saved Mondstadt from the Dragon Plague and a great hero who fought alongside the Sage, Kong's reputation is quite high. Many contestants came specifically because he was participating in the competition.

"I can't believe he actually came to participate in the competition!"

"So this is the great hero! He's much younger than I thought!"

"This match is going to be interesting!"

"It's a pity that Captain Beidou isn't on the field as the referee, otherwise I'd really like to see who wins the contest between Captain Beidou and this great hero!"

"Our great hero, welcome your audience!"

Jiang Bai whistled and pulled Hu Tao aside, leaving Kong surrounded by the crowd who had come to see him.

Although Jiang Bai participated in both the Dragon Plague in Mondstadt and the battle at Lone Cloud Pavilion, he was merely a bystander, contributing some effort but not making a significant impact.

The actual battle with D'Artagnan in the Golden House remains unknown to the world.

However, Jiang Bai himself didn't care. These reputations were too superficial and couldn't increase his business value. Instead, they would make him feel empty and easily attract attention.

What truly broadened their business and reputation was "Once Upon a Time in Snow Country".

It is said that this book is currently a bestseller in Xumi, and even in Fontainebleau, which is further away.

This time when I go to Inazuma, I can bring a few sets of "Snow Country" to sell, which will help expand the business awareness of Wangshengtang.

Kong and Paimon struggled to squeeze out of the crowd. Seeing the leisurely Jiang Bai, Kong immediately felt resentful.

Why is it that this guy doesn't have to do anything, while he has to work himself to death in the competition?

He gritted his teeth and went straight to Beidou.

If Captain Beidou personally invites him to participate in the competition, let's see how he can run away!

"Captain Beidou, let me introduce you to someone."

"Oh?" Hokuto became interested, and Kaedehara Manyo next to him was also a little curious.

"It's him!" Kong pointed at Jiang Bai from afar, "The one who defeated the Executors of the Fools, thwarted the Abyss Order's plots multiple times, a guest of honor at the Seven Stars of Light, and the brightest rising star of the Hall of Rebirth—Jiang Bai!"

To give Jiang Bai a boost, he rattled off a whole bunch of stories.

"Oh?" Beidou glanced at Jiang Bai and smiled.

“I know him.”

Although there are some things that outsiders rarely know, things like defeating the "Young Master" in the Golden House are things that cannot be kept from these people.

"Captain Beidou, I think it's a real shame that he's not participating in this martial arts tournament. Besides, he said he wanted to participate himself, so I'll help him register."

Maple Leaf looked at the sky, then at Jiang Bai, and suddenly revealed a mischievous smile.

Jiang Bai appeared behind Kong at some point and grabbed his braid.

"I never said I was going to participate in the competition, so don't you dare make decisions on your own! I brought my banner, and believe me, I'll unfurl it for you right now!"

Jiang Bai has mastered the wind element quite well now, although he can't yet hear people calling him everywhere like Xiao.

But if someone nearby says his name, the wind will automatically carry that information to his ears.

In other words, he heard everything when Kong said his name!

"Captain Beidou, it's been a long time." Hu Tao waved to Beidou from the side.

"It's been a long time, Master Hu. Are you here to participate in my martial arts tournament?"

"No, no, we're here to cheer on our great hero!" Hu Tao pulled out a megaphone, striking a full-on cheerleading pose.

"When did you bring that megaphone?!" Kong retreated tactically as he looked at the large megaphone.

He glanced at Jiang Bai, who had pulled out a banner, and then at Hu Tao, who was holding a megaphone, and suddenly felt the world turn gray.

"I discussed it with the hall master last night. We can't just sit idly by while you're competing on stage. So, the cheerleaders prepared everything for you overnight!"

Kong gritted her teeth, "Thank you so much..."

After watching for a while, Kaedehara Manyo chuckled, "How interesting."

Everyone in front of me, whoever they are, is very interesting.

"What's this?" Jiang Bai had noticed him long ago, but he was too busy looking for trouble to think about it for the time being.

"Let me introduce you. This is Kaedehara Manyo, Inatsuma Toto. He's temporarily staying on our ship for some reasons. Our prize is provided by him."

"Hello." Kaedehara Manyo smiled and waved to them.

"I can tell from your outfit that you're different from us. You really are an Inatsume-sama."

Looking at his attire, Hu Tao pulled Jiang Bai in front of her.