Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

Shao Yun pulled Zhongli aside, carefully avoiding Hu Tao, then leaned in and whispered near his ear, "Zhongli, your director is as fiery as they come—I can barely keep up with her."

Zhongli offered a faint smile, a trace of helplessness on his face as he replied softly.

"Director Hu has always been like that—passionate and full of quirks. But her intentions are always sincere. You'll understand once you've spent time with her."

Shao Yun nodded, seemingly convinced by Zhongli's words. Then, he changed the subject and asked, "Zhongli, does your Funeral Parlor have anything to eat? I'm starving."

Zhongli blinked in surprise at the question and asked in return, "Shao Yun, what do you mean? With a fortune of fifty billion, you can't find a place to eat?"

Shao Yun rubbed his belly and chuckled awkwardly. "Don't bring that up. I've eaten my way through all the big restaurants in Liyue. I'm tired of the flavors. I just want something simple but tasty now."

Zhongli thought for a moment, then a spark of realization lit up his eyes. "Ah, I just remembered—there should still be some mountain delicacy braised noodles left in the Funeral Parlor's kitchen. If you don't mind leftovers, I can warm them up for you."

Shao Yun's face immediately lit up with joy. He patted Zhongli's shoulder and laughed, "Perfect. I'll trouble you for that, Mr. Zhongli."

When Hu Tao saw them return, she glanced at Shao Yun with a playful smile and asked, "So, Mr. Shao Yun, how'd the discussion go?"

Shao Yun smiled and nodded. He spoke softly, "No problem. Let's go."

…

On the way to the Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao bounced along like a little girl, her singing clear and cheerful, full of youthful energy.

Sunlight bathed her figure, cloaking her in a golden halo, making her seem even more lively and adorable.

"The sun's out, I sunbathe; the moon's out, I moonbathe too~!" Her voice echoed through the streets, drawing amused glances and smiles from passersby.

…

The three soon arrived at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Upon entering, Shao Yun was immediately captivated by the scene before him.

The interior was filled with paper effigies, yellow talismans, peachwood swords, and compasses. On the shelves were various miniature coffins.

In the corner stood several large coffins, standing quietly, adding an eerie touch.

Hu Tao led Shao Yun into a classical-style sitting room. She pointed to a seat beside her and said, "Come, Mr. Shao Yun, please have a seat."

Shao Yun smiled as he sat down and thanked her.

Then Hu Tao turned to Zhongli, who was still standing in place, and prompted him, "Consultant, what are you spacing out for? Go brew the tea already! I've got so many things I want to ask Mr. Shao Yun."

Zhongli gave a gentle smile and nodded. "Yes, Director."

He turned and headed toward the kitchen to prepare the tea.

Shao Yun, watching his back, suddenly remembered something and called out, "Don't forget the noodles!"

Zhongli glanced back and replied with a smile, "Of course, Mr. Shao Yun."

…

Zhongli busied himself in the kitchen, warming the leftover noodles and steeping the tea.

Meanwhile, Hu Tao sat on a chair carved from peachwood, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

She turned to Shao Yun and said softly, "Shao Yun, to be honest, the real reason I invited you over isn't just to help me come up with slogans." Her tone carried a sense of urgency and seriousness.

Shao Yun raised an eyebrow at her words. "Oh? There's something else?"

Don't tell me she wants me to kill someone to boost business… Wouldn't that tank my honor score?!

Hu Tao sighed lightly, a trace of helplessness in her voice. "Recently, a ghost has appeared in Liyue. Its resentment is unusually heavy, posing a major threat to civilians."

"You might not know this, but aside from handling funerals, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is also tasked with maintaining the balance between life and death. It's our duty to keep people away from the boundary of mortality—but this ghost has broken through and crossed into the world of the living. It's troubling me greatly."

Shao Yun's brow furrowed. He hadn't expected such a serious matter. "Is this ghost really so powerful that even your Funeral Parlor can't deal with it?"

Hu Tao nodded gravely. "Yes, the resentment is overwhelming. I tried to perform a ritual in the wilderness to guide it on, but I failed. If it hadn't been for the Conqueror of Demons showing up in time, I might not be here now."

Shao Yun looked surprised. "Even he couldn't defeat the ghost?"

Hu Tao nodded… then shook her head. "It's more that he saved me and let the ghost escape…"

Shao Yun's expression grew darker, his eyes flashing with conflicted thoughts. He took a deep breath and said, his voice tinged with helplessness and doubt, "I'm good at killing people—but ghosts? I've never tried that."

This isn't a Jiangshi flick, and I'm no Taoist master. People keep calling me the King of Hell, but that's just a nickname—not a job title!

Seeing the hesitation in his expression, Hu Tao quickly waved her hands to explain, "Shao Yun, you misunderstood. I'm not asking you to kill the ghost. When I spoke with the Conqueror of Demons, he mentioned there's something different about your presence. He believes that just by standing there, you can suppress that ghost's malice and prevent it from wreaking havoc."

She paused, eyes fixed on him with determination. "The plan is this: you'll use your presence to subdue it, and the Conqueror of Demons and I will handle the rest. With you there, I'm confident we can resolve this."

So now ghosts are afraid of people? My skill set's getting way too broad…

Shao Yun glanced down at his outfit, recalling the system's description of his Gunslinger gear.

A thought stirred within him. Could this set's power affect spirits too?

I've been dying of boredom here in Liyue Harbor for a month—maybe this is a good excuse to stretch my legs with Lumine.

He nodded to Hu Tao, signaling his agreement.

But he didn't forget his principles. He immediately asked, "So, how much are you paying me?"

Hu Tao blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Shao Yun crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his lips. "Aside from Lumine and Paimon, I don't work for free. That's my rule."

Back at camp, even that scheme-master had to pay me with a rancher's Spurs for help. Who does Hu Tao think she is?

Hu Tao looked troubled by the demand for compensation.

She furrowed her brows, clearly weighing her options.

At last, she took a deep breath and said with a pleading tone, "Shao Yun, business has been tough at the Funeral Parlor. I really can't afford what you might ask. But… how about I offer our services to you for free?"

Shao Yun frowned, clearly unimpressed.

He shook his head, his tone laced with annoyance. "Hu Tao, funerary services are bad luck. I don't need services—I need actual money."

Hu Tao grew more anxious. She rubbed her hands together, trying to ease the tension.

Then her eyes lit up as if she had an idea. She suddenly stood up and hurried to a cabinet. "Wait a sec, Shao Yun. I do have something valuable here. Might be worth your time."

She carefully took down a beautifully decorated box.

Returning to Shao Yun, she gently opened the lid—a subtle scent of peachwood drifted out.

Inside, she took out a finely crafted peachwood sword. The blade was smooth as jade, reflecting a faint shimmer even in daylight.

She presented the sword to Shao Yun, her eyes sparkling with hopeful excitement.

"Shao Yun, look at this sword. It's crafted from top-grade peachwood, said to ward off evil. I'd like to offer it in exchange for your help. What do you think?"

Shao Yun took the sword, inspecting it closely. He weighed it in his hand, noting the solid build and refined craftsmanship. He gave a small nod, acknowledging its worth.

"It's a fine piece of art. But tell me—how much is it really worth?"

Seeing his interest, Hu Tao sighed in relief. She thought for a moment before replying, "This peachwood sword is one of our best. It's worth around 1.45 million Mora. With its spiritual properties, I hope it'll suffice as your reward…"

Just then, a system message popped up.

[Premium Peachwood Sword, made by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor: Estimated Value 1.47 million Mora. Effect: Ward against evil—but still not as good as the Schofield Revolver (Goat's Blessing).]

Shao Yun gently returned the sword to its box. The interior was lined with soft silk to protect the blade.

He closed the lid carefully, then took the box from Hu Tao.

"Alright. But I'll need Lumine's approval first."

Hu Tao, watching him, looked puzzled. She blinked. "Huh? What do you mean by approval?"

Shao Yun smiled. "Lumine told me to stay put in Liyue Harbor. If I'm going out, I've gotta report in."

Hu Tao nodded, seeming to understand. She thought a moment, then asked, "Alright then—when can you give me an answer?"

Shao Yun thought briefly, Lumine's image appearing in his mind. He knew she'd return to Liyue Harbor by evening—they could talk then.

He told Hu Tao, "Tomorrow morning. Around six or seven, alright?"

Hu Tao nodded, a pleased smile spreading across her face. She raised her right hand and high-fived him.

"Great! It's a deal!"