Walnut used me to boost her sales performance.

After a long silence, Zhongli slowly spoke, "What do you think of this temple?"

“Very good. If they were still alive, they would be very happy to know that people have built such a temple for them.”

Zhongli turned her head to look at him, "And you?"

"I am also happy."

Hearing him say he was happy, Zhong Li smiled faintly.

"They've reserved a place for you to stay at the temple."

Xiao was somewhat surprised. "Why?"

He doesn't need a dwelling like humans do; his true form is a golden-winged roc, and he used to rest on the big tree at Wangshu Inn.

They might meditate to regulate their breathing, gaze into the distance, or simply lie on a tree trunk and listen to the wind whispering in their ears.

"The master said that this place should be your resting place, a place you want to return to after you go out."

Hu Tao's idea was simple: she felt that Xiao Lao was too lonely because he was always alone, and she wanted him to have some human warmth.

"But I shouldn't get close to people..."

After the temple was built, he would often come here, but only to visit his old friend late at night. He was unaware that Hu Tao had specially arranged a place for him to stay.

"It's alright. This Yaksha Temple is very large. When I built it, I set up a protective formation to guard this place. If you don't want to see anyone, no one will be able to find you."

"Moreover, the temple is filled with strong vows, and living here can suppress your karmic obstacles. In the long run, it will benefit you."

Since Zhongli had gone to such lengths, Xiao naturally agreed.

"Come on, I'll show you."

"How could I dare trouble Your Majesty..."

"This is a task assigned to me by the hall master, how can I trouble you with such a thing?" Zhongli shook his head helplessly.

Xiao, you're just too respectful.

Even though he was no longer the Rock King Emperor, he still couldn't change his overly respectful nature.

Xiao followed Zhongli to the backyard of the temple.

There are many residences in the backyard, some of which are provided for the people in charge of the temple who are assigned by the General Affairs Office, while others are reserved for travelers who stay overnight.

Walnut has specially designated an area as a dwelling place for Xiao.

The residence appears simple, but its furnishings are quite elegant.

There is a small lake, an artificial hill, a pavilion, and a century-old tree that covers the roof.

The house is fully equipped with all the necessities for daily life.

Perhaps for immortals, creating these scenes is just a matter of waving their hands.

They might even prefer to live in their own private sanctuary.

But these things represent the importance and respect that Hu Tao and his family place on Xiao.

Regardless of whether Xiao will rest here or not, they will do their best.

Xiao saw an unpainted stone carving on the antique shelf in the room.

The stone carving depicts him and Zhongli. He has his head down, and Zhongli's hand rests on the top of his head, her gaze gentle and tolerant.

Xiao's ear tips turned red.

Zhongli saw it too and couldn't help but chuckle.

"This little white guy..."

He didn't remember Jiang Bai ever seeing such a scene, so it must have been carved entirely from Jiang Bai's imagination.

Moreover, this wasn't here when Hu Tao brought him to visit last time; Jiang Bai must have secretly placed it here.

As for the purpose of placing this...

Judging from Xiao's expression, he probably likes it.

Chapter 596 If You Insist on Going

Xiao pretended not to see the stone sculpture, trying hard to hide his bright red ear tips and maintain a serious expression.

"Your Majesty, I wish to make a trip to the Abyss of Layered Rocks. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission."

Upon hearing that he was going to the Abyss of Layered Rocks, Zhongli sighed softly.

"This journey is extremely risky. Have you thought it through?"

Sensing Zhongli's disapproval, Xiao lowered his head, but did not change his mind.

"I have guarded Liyue for thousands of years and have never left without permission. However, the matter of the nameless Yaksha is like a thorn in my heart... Now that the young people of Liyue have a bright future, it is time for me to make this trip."

He had wanted to go there when he heard that an unnamed yaksha had appeared in the Abyss of Layered Rocks hundreds of years ago.

Of the five celestial yakshas, ​​only Fushe remains missing, a thorn in his side.

However, he had the duty to guard Liyue, so he kept this matter to himself.

But now that Liyue is at peace, his duties are gradually being taken over by the people of Liyue, and it is time to go and find traces of Brother Fushe.

"Fine, if you insist on going, take Jiang Bai with you."

"Why? This trip is extremely risky. Wouldn't bringing him along also put him in danger?" Xiao asked, puzzled.

A place that could cause even a fugitive to perish must be an extremely dangerous place.

He had prepared himself for the possibility that he might not return from this trip.

How could we bring Jiang Bai along?

Zhongli didn't explain much, only saying, "He won't hold you back, take him with you."

Xiao remained silent, then finally nodded in agreement.

"Go and prepare. On the day of departure, come to the Hall of Rebirth to find me."

"As ordered."

At the Hall of Rebirth, Jiang Bai was stopped by Zhong Li with a blank expression.

"Master, what do you need me for?"

“In a few days, you will accompany Xiao to the Layered Rock Abyss.”

"The Abyss of Layered Rocks? Why are we suddenly going there?"

Jiang Bai knew this place.

It is a huge underground mine that had been closed off for a long time.

“A Yaksha perished there, and Xiao is going to investigate why. I’m worried about him going alone.”

Jiang Bai is not a native of Teyvat, which makes him somewhat unique.

The pollution in the strata abyss will have a significant impact on the Xiao, but it may not be effective for Jiang Bai.

If Sora is present, it would be better if Sora accompanied Xiao.

However, there are differences in closeness and distance, so rather than asking Kong, it's better to let Jiang Bai go.

"Oh, no problem!" Jiang Bai patted his chest and agreed.

It's just accompanying Xiao to the Layered Rock Abyss, no problem!

Although they had never competed, he felt that with his mastery of three elemental forces, his current strength was no weaker than Xiao's.

When he and Xiao team up, the effect is greater than 2.

Apart from encountering God, there is no danger that can keep them here.

Zhongli instructed, "The abyss beneath the layered rocks is dangerous and full of strange occurrences. Take these Lianli Qingxin Powders with you. If Xiao is affected by karmic obstacles, give them to him immediately. Also, keep this jade pendant with you at all times."

"What is this jade pendant used for?" Jiang Bai examined the jade pendant Zhong Li had given him from all angles. Apart from its apparent high price, he couldn't find anything special about it.

"If you encounter an insurmountable danger, crush it; it will protect you."

Jiang Bai's eyes lit up. He put this life-saving treasure into his pocket, rubbed his hands together, and looked on expectantly at Zhong Li.

"Master, is there any more? Please give me a little more."

Zhongli shook his head, not intending to give any more.

One of these life-saving items is enough; having too many will only make him lose his sense of crisis.

That day, Xiao arrived at the Hall of Rebirth without making a sound.

He appeared in the courtyard and softly called out, "Your Majesty."

"They're here." Zhongli turned his head to look.

"Hmm." Xiao lowered his head to show respect.

"Finally here! I've been waiting for you for so long!" Jiang Bai grinned, seemingly unaware of how dangerous the place they were about to go was.

Seeing his appearance, Xiao frowned slightly.

He still didn't want to bring Jiang Bai along. It wouldn't matter if something happened to him, but it would be his fault if Jiang Bai was implicated.

Seeing his resistance, Zhongli gently explained.

"Don't overthink it, I have my reasons for letting him go."

"Yes."

Seeing Xiao standing rigidly in front of Zhong Li, Jiang Bai put his arm around his shoulder; it was especially easy to put his arm around him at this height.

"Why are you so reserved? Relax. Don't worry, I'll definitely protect you."

elf:"……"

It's still uncertain who is protecting whom.

Xiao slapped his hand away, unaccustomed to such an intimate distance.

"Go ahead, and come back soon."

Ignoring Xiao's resistance, Jiang Bai put his hand on him again, stopping him from leaving.

"Let's go, let's go! I haven't been to the Layered Rock Abyss yet!"

Because Zhongli was present, Xiao remained silent and said nothing.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he vanished from the spot.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Seeing Xiao run away, Jiang Bai chased after him.

Since he gained a certain level of control over the wind element, he has become exceptionally sensitive to it.

As soon as Xiao left, he discovered where the others were.

Jiang Bai chased after Xiao, who was flying rapidly through the air, shouting, "Wait for me! You're flying too fast!"

Xiao's cold voice carried on the wind to Jiang Bai's ears, "After training with me for so long, is this all the speed you've got?"

"Is it really necessary? It's just a journey..."

Jiang Bai muttered something and sped up.

Seeing Jiang Bai catching up, Xiao continued to increase its speed, disappearing from sight in an instant like a streak of blue light.

Are you serious?

Jiang Bai took a deep breath and went all out.

Its extremely high speed of flight drew a white line directly in the air.

Seeing Jiang Bai catch up, Xiao nodded slightly, somewhat satisfied.

His special training was not wasted.

The two flew swiftly through the sky, and what would normally take several days was covered in no time.

Looking down at the huge valley and the layers of hollowed-out rocks, Jiang Bai let out a sigh of admiration.

Although this wasn't his first time here, he was still amazed by the grandeur of the place every time he saw this breathtaking sight.