Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

Zhongli slowly emerged from the kitchen, holding a steaming bowl of noodles in his hands, the fragrant vapor curling around his face.

A warm smile graced his lips as he said, "The noodles are ready. The tea will be out shortly."

Shao Yun looked up at the sound of his voice and took the bowl from Zhongli. The aroma instantly filled the entire room.

He eagerly picked up his chopsticks and began to savor the seemingly simple yet delicious noodles. They were smooth on the tongue, the broth rich and flavorful, leaving a lingering taste.

Hu Tao, watching Shao Yun eat with such enjoyment, looked on curiously. She smiled and asked, "Want some garlic? It tastes even better with it."

Shao Yun swallowed his mouthful and shook his head. "No thanks. That stuff's too strong—I don't think I can handle it." With that, he lowered his head and took a few more bites.

Suddenly, he seemed to recall something and paused mid-meal. Looking up at Hu Tao, he asked, "Right, I meant to ask—what's the story behind that ghost? You mentioned it earlier, but I didn't quite catch the details."

Hu Tao's gaze sharpened slightly. She glanced off to the side and blinked, as if trying to deflect the question.

She replied lightly, "You don't need to worry about that. The ghost's origin is… complicated. It's not something that can be explained in a few words. And as the Funeral Parlor's primary responsibility is to maintain the boundary between life and death, the details aren't something you need to concern yourself with."

Seeing that Hu Tao didn't want to elaborate, Shao Yun didn't press further. He nodded and resumed eating. "Alright, I won't ask. These noodles are great—thanks, Zhongli."

Zhongli gave a gentle nod and turned to continue preparing the tea.

Hu Tao sat quietly nearby, her eyes flickering with a strange glint, as if deep in thought. Meanwhile, Shao Yun was fully immersed in the bowl of flavorful noodles, temporarily forgetting everything else.

Having finished the bowl of steaming mountain delicacy braised noodles, the savory flavors lingering on his palate, Shao Yun wiped his mouth and sipped some tea.

Then he clutched the ornate box containing the peachwood sword tightly in his arms, preparing to leave the Funeral Parlor.

As he stepped toward the ancient wooden doors, he turned back and said to Hu Tao, "Just to be clear—if Lumine says no, I'll return the sword."

Hu Tao smiled, waving her hand casually. "Don't worry, Shao Yun. I believe Lumine will be reasonable and agree to my request. Safe travels now."

Shao Yun nodded and pushed open the heavy wooden door of the parlor.

But the moment he stepped over the threshold, he was startled to find a young boy in blue homespun clothing standing just outside. The child had his hands clasped behind his back, a slightly embarrassed look in his eyes.

Clearly not expecting anyone to come out just then, the boy froze, then quickly composed himself and said shyly, "Ah? Hello, big brother. I didn't scare you, did I?"

Shao Yun looked at him curiously. The boy looked no older than seven or eight, with bright, clear eyes.

He couldn't help but wonder who this child was, and why he was standing outside the Funeral Parlor.

On impulse, Shao Yun crouched down to meet the boy at eye level and asked gently, "Hey there, who are you? Why are you standing at the entrance of the Funeral Parlor?"

At that moment, Hu Tao hurried over, her steps swift and full of urgency. She arrived at Shao Yun's side, a hint of panic on her face.

"Hey, Yi Zhu!" she called out brightly, her voice full of the warmth and blunt cheer unique to her. Her gaze turned to the boy, full of concern.

Yi Zhu, the frail-looking boy, lit up at the sight of Hu Tao.

He smiled gratefully and said, "Sister Hu Tao, I came to thank you." Though his voice was youthful, it rang with sincerity.

He carefully pulled out a handmade flower wreath and offered it to Hu Tao.

Woven from various wildflowers, it was simple but heartfelt.

Blushing slightly, he said, "It's a small token of my appreciation. I hope you like it."

Hu Tao blinked in surprise as she accepted the gift.

She smiled sheepishly, gently running her fingers over the petals. "It's the Funeral Parlor's duty. No need to thank me."

Then, something seemed to come to her, and she asked with concern, "How's your sister Yi Xian doing? Is she alright?" Her eyes were filled with genuine worry.

At the mention of his sister, a complex emotion flickered across Yi Zhu's eyes. He forced a smile. "My sister? Well… she's about the same. But the Millelith uncles have been looking after us. They've been a great help."

Though his tone was steady, Hu Tao could sense the quiet strength and resignation behind his words.

She sighed in relief, a burden lifted from her heart. "That's good, that's good." Her voice brimmed with comfort and emotion. Then she added, "Please give her my regards. Let her know I'm thinking of her."

Shao Yun watched their exchange. The way they spoke, the glances they shared—it felt like some kind of secret, silent conversation only they could understand.

Curious, he furrowed his brow and decided to break the mysterious air.

He stood up, cleared his throat, and politely interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt."

Then he gently tugged Hu Tao aside by the wrist and asked in a low voice, "What's going on? What did you help him with?"

Hu Tao turned her head slightly and glanced at Yi Zhu to ensure he wasn't close by, then whispered, "His name is Yi Zhu. He has a younger sister named Yi Xian. Two months ago, their mother jumped into the well at Chihu Rock… I helped bury her—for free. Ever since then, nobody dares to drink from that well anymore."

A flicker of sorrow and sympathy crossed her eyes, but she nervously bit her lip and avoided looking at Shao Yun directly.

Shao Yun parted his lips to speak, but was suddenly struck by a sharp pain, as if lightning had pierced his skull—like thousands of bees buzzing in his head, overwhelming and unbearable.

His vision spun wildly, everything blurring and distorting as if the entire world had lost balance.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?" Hu Tao's anxious voice rang in his ears as she quickly reached out to steady his staggering body.

Shao Yun took a few deep breaths, trying to regain his composure.

He shook his head, fighting off the surreal sensation. His voice was hoarse, as though squeezed from his throat.

"I'm fine. This started a month ago… but it wasn't this bad. It's like… someone's trying to tell me something, but this time, it was like nails on glass. It was awful."

But there was another change—something far more significant—that Shao Yun hadn't yet noticed.

Hu Tao's brow furrowed deeply, her mind swimming with concern and uncertainty. This sudden condition was completely unexpected.

After a moment of thought, she offered, "Maybe… you should go to Bubu Pharmacy. Don't ignore this. What if it's something serious?"

Shao Yun pulled a bottle of Special Miracle Tonic from his pack and downed it in one go.

The pain in his head eased slightly. He slipped his hand free from Hu Tao's and shook his head.

"No need. I've probably just been too idle lately. Maybe if I stay busy, it'll pass."

Hu Tao met his steady gaze, still concerned but hesitant to argue.

Then a spark lit up in her eyes. "Then… why not walk Yi Zhu home?"

Shao Yun paused, then chuckled wryly. "Do I look like a babysitter?"

His tone carried a trace of sarcasm, but more than anything, he sounded tired.

Hu Tao scratched her head and grinned.

"Well, didn't you say you needed something to do? Walking Yi Zhu home counts as doing something, right?"

…

Shao Yun rubbed his forehead, trying to chase away the lingering discomfort.

He glanced over at Yi Zhu, who stood nearby, his innocent eyes tinged with curiosity.

Shao Yun massaged his temples, hoping to ground himself again.

"Alright, fine. Better than sitting around listening to that iron-mouth storyteller," he muttered, lifting his head and looking at Hu Tao with resignation.

Seeing this, Hu Tao immediately stepped over to Yi Zhu. She crouched down to meet his gaze and said gently, "Yi Zhu, how about letting this big brother walk you home? He's super capable—he'll make sure you get back safely."

Yi Zhu blinked, caught off guard. He scratched his head, a bit confused.

"Huh? Sister Hu Tao, is that really necessary? I can walk home by myself."

Hu Tao smiled and stepped behind him, introducing Shao Yun.

"Oh, come on—this big brother is really kind, always ready to help, and full of compassion! He can't bear to see a child walk home alone!"

Shao Yun couldn't help but shake his head, speechless. Now I'm a saint in her story?

He looked at Yi Zhu, who now stood politely, flashing a sweet smile.

"Then I'll be in your care, big brother."

Shao Yun watched the boy bow respectfully. There was something oddly mature about him, though his sincerity was unmistakable.

Shao Yun waved his hand to break the tension and said gently, "Alright then, let's walk a bit. Good way to digest after a meal."

Hu Tao stood at the door, watching their figures grow smaller with each step, a look of relief on her face.

"Whew… that was close. Why did Yi Zhu show up here, of all times…"

…

Shao Yun walked with Yi Zhu toward Chihu Rock, chatting casually along the way, hoping to bridge the gap between them.

"So, kid, how old are you?" he asked offhandedly, surprised by the boy's composed demeanor.

Yi Zhu looked up and held out eight fingers. "I'm eight years old."

That answer struck Shao Yun like a jolt. His gaze lingered on the boy's youthful face, stunned.

"He's eight? Are you kidding me?"

The kid's face was still soft with youth, but those eyes—steady and clear—belonged to someone far older.

Steadying himself, Shao Yun asked, "What about your sister? Same age as you?"

Yi Zhu nodded. "She's eight too. I was born a few minutes earlier. Since I'm the big brother, it's my job to protect her."

Realization dawned on Shao Yun, and his respect for Yi Zhu deepened. "I see… You're a good brother. She must be proud of you."

Suddenly, an elderly woman came hobbling over, worry written all over her face.

She hurried toward Yi Zhu and said breathlessly, "Yi Zhu, your sister's crying at home! Something's wrong—you need to go check on her!"

Yi Zhu bowed to her gratefully. "Thank you, Grandma. I'll head back right away."