Walnut used me to boost her sales performance.

"Ahem." Hu Tao coughed lightly twice, signaling for quiet to be heard.

All eyes were drawn to her.

Under the gaze of many eyes, Hu Tao said calmly, "Today I have two things to tell you. The first is to formally introduce our new member of the Hall of Rebirth."

Hu Tao raised her chin slightly, and Jiang Bai received the instruction accurately, stepping forward to stand in front of everyone.

He wasn't shy at all, smiling and waving to everyone, appearing gentle and kind.

"Although many people have already heard about it, I still want to give a formal introduction."

"Jiang Bai is a new disciple of our Rebirth Hall. You should have heard a little about his story. That's right, he's the one who came back from the dead. He lost a lot of his memories, so please take good care of him."

"I am Jiang Bai, you can call me Xiao Jiang or Xiao Bai, please take care of me." After a brief self-introduction, Jiang Bai bowed and stepped off the stage.

After introducing Jiang Bai, Hu Tao got down to business.

"I've recently been thinking about a new business, which I'll temporarily call 'Returning to One's Roots'."

Upon hearing her say this, everyone perked up their ears, even the guest advisor Zhongli, who adopted a posture of listening attentively.

"As everyone knows, being an adventurer is a dangerous profession. They may accidentally lose their lives in some dangerous place and then disappear without a trace."

Besides them, traveling merchants also face these unknowns. They might suddenly die on a trade route, and their bodies might not be discovered by their relatives and friends for a long time, by which time they would have become food for wild animals...

There are also elderly people who have settled in some faraway place and want to return to their roots, but their wishes cannot be fulfilled due to various circumstances...

The "Returning Home" service is designed to meet the needs of this group of people.

"Once this service is completed, our funeral parlor will be able to arrive immediately upon receiving news of the death to collect the remains and handle the funeral arrangements."

After speaking, she looked at Zhongli, the most knowledgeable person in the crowd.

"Mr. Zhongli, what do you think of this idea?" To show her serious attitude towards this matter, she unusually used a respectful title.

“It’s good that the Hall Master has such an idea.” Zhongli nodded in agreement, but then added, “However, there are many difficulties in putting it into practice…”

What Zhongli said was also what the ceremonial attendants below were thinking.

The head of the hall has a good idea, but it is too difficult and fraught with difficulties to implement.

A place where adventurers can lose their lives must be an extremely dangerous place. How can they guarantee their own safety when they go there to collect the remains?

Secondly, how do we know if the adventurer is dead, and where they died?

The questions were raised one by one by the ceremonial attendants, and Hu Tao answered them calmly, clearly having considered them all.

"My idea is to create a magical artifact that can be bound to a client. Once bound to this artifact, one can know the life or death status of the bound person, locate the person, and then handle their funeral arrangements according to the terms of the contract."

"Mr. Zhongli, what do you think of this method?"

Zhongli pondered for a while and said, "It's feasible, but there are very few people who can make such magical artifacts. Not only are they expensive, but each artifact can only be bound to one person, making the expenses too high."

Hearing that someone could make magical artifacts, Hu Tao was extremely happy. She wasn't afraid of the high cost; she was just worried that no one could make such artifacts.

"That's not a problem, as long as there's a solution. We won't launch this service anytime soon; we need to train people who can handle it first. Otherwise, it would be too frivolous to receive a commission but not be able to complete it."

"I wonder who the Master intends to appoint?" the attendant asked.

“I’ve already decided on this person. I think Jiang Bai is very suitable for this business.” Hu Tao pointed to Jiang Bai, who smiled shyly.

The crowd below immediately erupted in commotion. It was unfair to put someone who had just joined the Hall of Rebirth and had lost his memory in such a dangerous job.

Jiang Bai knew it was time for him to make his appearance. He took a step onto the stage, stretched out his hand and pressed it down slightly, signaling everyone to look over.

"Don't worry, everyone, this is something I requested."

As a qualified subordinate, you should speak up when your boss faces questions, take responsibility, and share the burden for your boss.

Although Jiang Bai was somewhat reluctant to do this job, he just felt that it was meaningless and too tiring.

It doesn't mean he's unwilling to do it; otherwise, he would have rejected Hu Tao long ago.

Chapter 17 What a fine young man!

Now that he's joined this place, he has to demonstrate some value, otherwise he'd be too useless.

Not only were the ceremonial attendants surprised to hear this, but even Hu Tao was astonished.

Did Jiang Bai ask for it himself? How come she didn't know?

She felt a little embarrassed, since what she had mentioned was indeed difficult to do.

"As you all know, I have lost many memories, and I don't even know where I came from or where I am going."

It was the head of the hall who took me in and gave me a place to stay. This job will definitely require me to travel to many places, even remote and desolate areas. Along the way, I will surely see many people, encounter many things, and witness many beautiful sights. Perhaps these experiences will help me regain my lost memories…”

He scratched his head and smiled somewhat shyly, like a timid young man.

"Besides, I'm pretty strong, so I should be able to handle any danger..."

Upon hearing this, the attendants looked at him with even more affection.

Knowing it was dangerous, he still stepped forward; despite having forgotten everything, he was so determined to regain his memories. What a wonderful young man...

As for his statement about being very strong, the attendants unanimously ignored it.

Even if someone with amnesia claims to be very strong, who would believe them?

Hu Tao was a little touched. So that's what he thought? She'd thought he didn't care about her past...

It has to be said that Jiang Bai's performance fooled everyone. If there were a numerical value for favorability, everyone's favorability towards him would have increased by at least ten points.

But there was one exception.

He watched everything from beginning to end like an observer, occasionally saying a few words, but without affecting the course of events.

"That's what they say, but they definitely won't let you go so soon."

Hu Tao patted him on the shoulder, displaying the air of a hall master.

"You know too little right now, and you don't have the Eye of God, so what you need to do is supplement your general knowledge and practice your martial arts. After a while, I'll have the funeral officiants teach you the rules of funeral rites. Once you meet my requirements, our business can officially begin!"

"During this period, we need to prepare the ritual implements first, and then discuss a detailed process so that the business can officially begin."

“That’s right!” the ceremonial attendants echoed.

"When you have free time, ask Mr. Zhongli for advice. Whether it's martial arts or knowledge, Zhongli is top-notch! If you can learn even a little bit, you'll never have to worry about anything in this life..." Hu Tao secretly encouraged Jiang Bai to harass Zhongli.

Jiang Bai nodded, indicating that he would do it.

From the first moment he met him, he felt that this Mr. Zhongli was no ordinary person, and that feeling still remains.

Now that Hu Tao has spoken, he has a reason to visit her.

Zhongli seemed to sense something, raised her eyes and glanced in this direction, her expression somewhat helpless.

He's never been able to handle Hu Tao...

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. Everyone, please go about your business! Mr. Zhongli, please wait a moment, I have something to ask you..."

Hu Tao waved her hand, signaling everyone to adjourn the meeting, then turned to Jiang Bai beside her and said, "You've been busy all day, you should go and rest too."

Jiang Bai nodded, without probing what Hu Tao wanted to talk to Zhong Li about.

He stretched and prepared to take a shower and get some rest; he was really exhausted after walking all day.

The ceremonial attendants had mostly left, but Zhongli didn't leave; instead, he waited for Hu Tao to come over.

Since it wasn't a formal occasion, Hu Tao spoke more casually, "Grandpa, do you know where to find someone who makes these kinds of magical artifacts?"

Their funeral rites and exorcism rituals are quite good, but they're not good at other things.

Zhongli searched his memory for a moment and quickly gave an answer.

"You could try going to Yujingtai to find Granny Ping, or some ancient families of alchemists or blacksmiths. They might even have ancient books on making magical artifacts..."

There are quite a few ancient families in Liyue Harbor, but most of them have declined or no longer engage in their former professions. Hu Tao will have to put in a lot of effort to find a magical artifact that can be made to the kind she wants.

"Grandma Ping?" This was the first time Hu Tao had ever heard of this person. Judging from the name, she sounded like an old woman.

"You'll find out when you get there. Just don't say I sent you." As if he had thought of something, he added, "That little girl from Wanming Hall has become her disciple. Going through her might be a good way to find her."

Hu Tao's idea is indeed good, unlike his previous reckless behavior, so he is willing to say a few more words.

"Xiangling!" Hu Tao's eyes lit up. Xiangling was her good friend, and she would definitely help her with this!

At worst, she can let her try the food, like slime with mushrooms or something...

The thought of those strange dishes left Hu Tao with a somewhat complicated expression.

Pushing those strange dishes out of her head, Hu Tao brought up another matter, "Grandpa, if you have time, teach Jiang Bai. He's quite quick to learn."

Zhongli raised an eyebrow slightly. "It seems the hall master is quite satisfied with him."

Hu Tao smiled. "I like his view on life and death; it suits my taste. Although we haven't known each other for long and I can't see his full personality yet, he's very interesting, isn't he?"

There aren't many interesting people these days, and even fewer who can keep up with her way of thinking.

She really likes having such a fun playmate.

Zhongli smiled without saying a word. Hu Tao was still a child at heart, and her thoughts and ideas still carried a childlike nature. She was very playful.

But it is precisely because of this that he possesses a broad-minded and innocent heart.

"Grandpa, you need to spend more time with interesting people, otherwise you'll become more and more like an old relic!"

Zhongli looked somewhat helpless. "If another one like you, Hall Master, came along, I wouldn't be able to handle it."

He's an old man, so naturally he should live a life like an old man.

Hu Tao made a face. "I'm not talking about it anymore. Grandpa, you should get some rest."

As night deepened, Liyue Harbor quieted down, and the well-equipped Thousand Rock Army patrolled the streets and alleys.

In a secluded corner, the doors of the Rebirth Hall were wide open, and warm light spilled out from behind. A ferryman dressed in black stood silently outside the door.

Zhongli leaned against the window, the scattered moonlight shining on him.

He stretched out his hand, and the cool moonlight slipped through his fingers.

He looked up at the starry sky, a sky that had remained unchanged for thousands of years, while this land had undergone many changes, and countless people and events had become memories...

As he himself said, he is old and doesn't know how many decades, centuries, or millennia he has left...

The world still depends on young people; their imaginative ideas always bring a unique vitality to the world.

Chapter 18 Xiangling of Wanmintang

Early in the morning, Chihuyan is bustling with activity. For boatmen and helmsmen who make a living by working hard at the docks, as well as merchants and traders of all kinds, the various stalls at Chihuyan are the best choice.

The food here is economical and affordable. A bowl of fragrant noodles with minced meat sauce in the morning will give you energy for the whole day.

But if you ask them which restaurant has the best craftsmanship, they will definitely say Wanmintang!

Unlike the expensive Xinyuexuan, which is difficult for ordinary people to enter, Wanmintang, just like its name suggests, focuses on affordability, and everyone can come here to spend money.

Whether you're a high-ranking official or a humble laborer, everyone can be a guest here. Even the most discerning gourmet can find a satisfying meal here.

The head of Wanmintang is surnamed Mao, and is known as Master Mao. His cooking skills are unparalleled in Liyue.

But what he is most proud of is his daughter Xiangling, who has already inherited his culinary skills at a young age. Her spicy stir-fry is especially praised by diners.

I just always like to research some trendy recipes and try all sorts of novel ingredients.

Because of her hobby, many of her friends have suffered as a result.

Today, a brave soul risked being the one to taste-test the food at Wanmintang.

"Hey, Walnut, what brings you here?"

Upon seeing the girl wearing the Qiankun Tai Gua hat, Xiangling, who was helping out in the shop, had her eyes light up. "Is she here to let me try out the new dishes?"

She was wearing an apron, with two small braids in her hair, and carrying a plate of food in each hand. Seeing her friend approach, she placed the food on the table and went to greet her.

A strange creature saw her go out and quickly put down the food it was holding and followed her.

This is a creature that looks like a teddy bear, with orange fur adorned with black and white patterns. If it doesn't move, it might be mistaken for someone's plush toy.

"Can't I come to visit you if there's nothing wrong?"

"Of course, provided you don't scare me." Xiangling pouted, quite dissatisfied with Hu Tao's habit of always scaring her.

Walnut put her hands on her hips, feigning anger, and a bag containing fermented plum blossoms peeked out from her wrist.