The Funeral Parlor Has No Master, Yujing Terrace Calls the Troops

The Funeral Parlor Has No Master, Yujing Terrace Calls the Troops is the second part of the Springtime Charms Event.
==Steps==
# Wait until two days later
# Go to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
# Go to Wuwang Hill and search for Qiqi
# Search for Qiqi
# Fend off the monsters
#* Wave 1: 
#* Wave 2: 
# Examine the rattan figures near the monsters
# Go meet Ningguang
# Seek assistance from the Conqueror of Demons at Wangshu Inn
# Find the source of the fetor
#* Defeat enemies: 
# Go to Wuwang Hill
#* This step only appears if the player leaves the quest area or dies during the previous step
# Enter the border between life and death
#* The player will be teleported into the Quest Domain Enter the "border"
# Find the three people who are trapped
# Fend off the monsters
# Talk to Xiao
# Return to Yujing Terrace
# Meet Lan Yan at the Adventurers' Guild
# Visit Hu Tao at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
==Gameplay Notes==
* During Step 9, the active party will be limited to a trial Xiao. Additionally, the effect of Yaksha's Mask from Bane of All Evil will be active throughout. Receiving an energy particle from an enemy, including any nearby enemy that is unrelated to the quest, will restore 10% of Xiao's HP.
* During Step 13 the active party will be limited to a trial Hu Tao, Lan Yan, and Qiqi, as well as the Traveler.
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
;(Pass time)
: Paimon: Whew, it's been two whole days. Surely Hu Tao must have finished her work by now? Let's go to the funeral parlor and check.
;(Approach Wangsheng Funeral Parlor)
: Paimon: Hey there! It's us again, hehe.
: Ferrylady: Hello, you two. I'm so sorry, but if you're looking for the director, I'm afraid she still hasn't returned.
: Paimon: What? She still isn't back after two whole days?
: Is that normal?
: Ferrylady: Hmm... Not exactly, but it's not unheard of. The director is unpredictable sometimes. She's been known to disappear for up to two weeks.
: Paimon: Okay, well in that case, a couple of days isn't a huge deal. Hu Tao will be Hu Tao...
:Gaming: Hey hey! I spy and a Paimon! Man, how long's it been? Happy Lantern Rite!
:
: Paimon: Oh, hey, Gaming!
: Happy Lantern Rite, Gaming.
: Paimon: So, what brings you here?
:Gaming: I gotta make a delivery to Chenyu Vale. It works out nicely, 'cause my dad's eager for me to get home for the holidays anyway. So, two birds with one stone.
: Paimon: Hold on! A delivery from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to Chenyu Vale? ...Is this for the Feiyun Commerce Guild, by any chance?
:Gaming: ...Wait, what? Have you been learning fortune-telling, or something? How could you know that?
: Paimon: No, no. We just ran into Xingqiu a couple days ago, so he told us the news...
:Gaming: Whew, you scared me there for a second! I thought we'd sprung a leak, and on the one job that we were specifically told has to be extremely hush-hush... But it sounds like you found out from another source, so we're all good.
:Gaming: Miss Undertaker, is everything ready to be loaded up? If so, I'll do a quick inventory count and then we'll be on our way.
: Ferrylady: The goods are ready for inspection. This way, please.
: Paimon: Wait, Gaming... the last we heard, Baizhu was still trying to figure out a way to help Xingqiu's great-grandfather. So... did it not work, then?
:Gaming: Oh. The Baizhu part is news to me... but anyway, the master from the Feiyun Commerce Guild said they just wanna ship some items back home to get ahead of the situation.
:Gaming: I guess they're hoping for the best and planning for the worst. So don't worry, there's still hope.
: Paimon: Ah, gotcha. Hey, , do you think we should go see Xingqiu?
:Gaming: Uh, before you run off on a wild goose chase... Master Xingqiu's already back home in Chenyu Vale. He and his brother made the trip together — something about checking if any repairs are needed at the family home.
: Paimon: Hmm... That doesn't sound promising...
: Let's check in with Baizhu.
: Paimon: Yeah! He's sure to know what's going on.
:Gaming: Alright, well I'd better get moving. Next time, we're going for dim sum!
:;(The Traveler and Paimon start heading to Bubu Pharmacy and run into Baizhu)
: Paimon: Baizhu! What are the chances? We were just about to go looking for you.
:Changsheng: A most curious coincidence. He was searching for you, too.
: Baizhu: I was indeed. , there's a situation I need your help with.
: Has His Lordship taken a turn for the worse?
: Baizhu: No, his condition is stable for now. This is a different situation... it's about Qiqi.
: Paimon: Qiqi? What's wrong with her? Has she passed out, too?
: Baizhu: She still hasn't come back from her herb-gathering trip. It was two days ago that she left, and she was supposed to return the same day.
: Paimon: Oh... um, maybe all the mountain-climbing slowed her down? Or maybe she got bored of work, and turned it into a vacation...?
: Baizhu: Given Qiqi's unique condition, we always make sure to write the agreed return time in her notebook.
:Changsheng: There is also a rule in the notebook which says "Not finding herbs — OK. Getting home late — not OK." But she's now over a day late, and still, no sign of herbs.
: Paimon: Yikes... Has this ever happened before?
:Changsheng: Never, hence our concern that something has happened to her. So, we posted a commission at the Adventurers' Guild yesterday.
: Baizhu: But I've dealt with many adventurers in the past, and they don't always fill me with confidence, so I'm not comfortable leaving the search for Qiqi to them alone.
:Changsheng: Neither am I. Just this morning, some of the adventurers were back already, saying they found the place where Qiqi went missing, but got spooked because it was haunted. Needless to say, they did not catch a glimpse of Qiqi herself.
: Baizhu: In short, right now, you are the only person I feel I can trust completely.
: Where did you send her to go herb-gathering?
: Baizhu: Wuwang Hill, in the Qingce mountain range.
: Paimon: Qingce again, huh...
: Baizhu: Indeed... It's looking increasingly likely that something untoward has happened up there.
: Baizhu: I saw two new patients yesterday. Their symptoms were identical to those present in Timaeus and His Lordship.
: We can discuss that later. Right now, we should go.
: Paimon: Yep, finding Qiqi is the number-one priority right now. We'll update you as soon as we can.
: Baizhu: Thank you both. I'm counting on you.
----
;(Approach the marked location at Wuwang Hill)
: Paimon: Is it just Paimon, or is this place creepier than ever? ...Paimon really hopes Qiqi's okay...
;(After defeating the enemies)
: Paimon: Look! It's another one of Lan Yan's rattan figures... Does that mean she's been here?
: Probably. And likely with Hu Tao.
: Paimon: Just what are they up to...? Oh, Paimon's got it! They came here to go ghost-hunting!
: Paimon: The people from the Adventurers' Guild did say Wuwang Hill was haunted. Hu Tao knows all about ghosts, and Lan Yan's rattan figures have all those witness sigils on them, so she must know what she's doing too!
: Then... what happened to Qiqi?
: Paimon: Umm... One second, hmm... Okay, hear Paimon out. Qiqi's a zombie, so her joints are stiff. That means she can't run too fast, and so... she must have gotten kidnapped by a ghost!
: A perfectly logical argument. But somehow, still not very credible.
: Paimon: Hmph, alright then, well let's keep looking for clues. We'll see who's right soon enough!
:;(They begin to search for clues and hear rustling)
: Paimon: Huh? What was that sound?
: Paimon: Eek! Ghost incoming!
:Yelan: Hold up. It's me.
:
: Paimon: ...Yelan!? What are you doing here? We were told this place was haunted... Well, guess it kind of was. Just not by ghosts, apparently...
:Yelan: Hehe, that's right. I managed to scare off a few rookie adventurers, but it looks like you're not so easy to spook. Anyway, don't go any further — there's danger up ahead.
: Paimon: But... we have to find Qiqi! She went missing around here, and she could be in danger.
:Yelan: I'm aware of the situation. My contacts in the Adventurers' Guild filled me in.
:Yelan: I found an herb-gatherer's basket part way up the mountain, possibly belonging to Qiqi. But I don't think she's here anymore.
: Paimon: Huh? What makes you so sure?
:Yelan: Because I scoured this whole place looking for clues. That's how I know that the immediate area is safe — but beyond this point, I can't be sure.
: So you're here to look for Qiqi as well?
:Yelan: No. I'm investigating the unknown disturbance here.
:Yelan: About a month ago, the Ministry of Civil Affairs noticed an unusual spike in the number of elderly people seeking medical care in Qingce Village. Plus, they all seemed to be suffering from an unknown illness.
: Paimon: Baizhu noticed that too! He's convinced that something's up in Qingce Village.
:Yelan: Actually, we discovered that the source of the problem isn't Qingce Village itself, but where we are now — Wuwang Hill.
:Yelan: But the village isn't far from here, and the elderly residents are particularly vulnerable, which is why they've borne the brunt of it.
: Paimon: Huh. The plot thickens.
: I'll bet Hu Tao and Lan Yan knew something.
: Paimon: Probably. If only we knew where the heck they've gone...
:Yelan: I... might have some idea.
: Paimon: Really!? So where are they?
:Yelan: Somewhere difficult to reach. For now, you should come with me — we need to speak with Ningguang.
: Paimon: Wh—What? Why?
:Yelan: Don't act so surprised. I just shared top-secret information with you... Surely you didn't think I would let you walk away?
: Paimon: Huh!? Wh—What are you gonna do!?
:Yelan: I'm kidding. Ningguang is well aware of the situation with Director Hu, and everything I've seen suggests that Lan Yan and Qiqi have ended up in the same place as her.
:Yelan: Come on. Ningguang will explain everything.
----
;(Approach Yiyan Temple)
:Beidou: In the past, I would've said "No way"...
:Beidou: I mean, I'd be happy to join you, but I'm not about to tell my crew they won't get to go home for the festival this year.
:
:Ningguang: That all goes without saying... unlike what I hope you're going to say next.
:
:Beidou: Haha! You sure have a way with words... alright, fine! It's a yes!
:Beidou: The Gate of Fright, Guyun Stone Forest, yeah? I'll handle it.
:Ningguang: I knew I could count on the great Captain Beidou to answer the call of duty.
:Beidou: Save the compliments — just make sure you pay my crew properly. It's Lantern Rite, so they'll be expecting fives times their usual rate.
:Ningguang: Hah, the deal is sealed and then the trap is sprung... Well, you've got me now. So what about your share, hmm? How much will that rob me of?
:Beidou: Oh, please. Firstly, no one can rob the Tianquan — not even me. And secondly... Keep my share, it's my gift to you. Go buy yourself a new hairpin with it.
:Beidou: Saves me a trip to the market, right? Hahaha.
:Beidou: Oh, hey! and Paimon!
: Paimon: Ahoy there, Captain Beidou!
:Beidou: Ah, little Paimon. That bright-eyed enthusiasm is exactly what Ningguang needs... She's conscripting you, by the way. Got some real back-breaking work lined up for you.
: Paimon: ...What?
:Beidou: Haha, sorry, I gotta dash. See ya 'round, folks!
:Beidou: ...Oh yeah, and Happy Lantern Rite.
:Ningguang: Yelan clearly knows me well. She's brought you two here without me needing to say a word.
: Beidou said you were... conscripting us?
:Ningguang: Beidou never passes on an opportunity to wisecrack at my expense.
:Yelan: She's not exactly wrong though, is she? and Paimon have actually been there before. That makes them the perfect candidates.
: Paimon: Been where? Where's "there"?
:Ningguang: I know you're looking for someone, and I don't wish to waste your time. So, I'll get right to the point.
:Ningguang: From what I understand, Director Hu Tao, Miss Qiqi, and Ms. Lan Yan are currently stranded inside... the border.
: Paimon: Border... THE border? That border!?
:Yelan: Yes, that border. The border between life and death.
: Paimon: Whoa, whoa, whoa. When did you find out about the border? Wait, and how did you know we'd been there before?
:Yelan: Heh. Come on.
: Paimon: Oh, right... literally your job to know that kind of stuff... Fair enough. Good job.
: How are you so sure they're at the border?
:Ningguang: Time is limited, so I can't go into full detail, but let me give you a brief bit of background on the current situation.
:Ningguang: One month ago, the Ministry of Civil Affairs became aware of an unusual illness affecting the elderly of Qingce.
:Ningguang: A couple of weeks later, Director Hu came to report a potential disturbance in the border. The Ministry of Civil Affairs investigated, and sure enough, found an ominous presence on Wuwang Hill.
:Ningguang: Then, three days ago, Hu Tao came to us again, this time to update us that she was now ready to go to the border and investigate the situation in full.
:Ningguang: We had agreed to meet again yesterday, but she failed to show up. That's when I sent Yelan to investigate further.
:Yelan: Director Hu's last-known location was Wuwang Hill. Same goes for Qiqi and Lan Yan. I'm about ninety percent sure all three of them are stuck in the border.
: Paimon: If even Hu Tao can't get out, there must be something seriously wrong...
:Ningguang: Now that you know the situation, are you willing to travel to the border and rescue Hu Tao and company? Your prior experience exploring that realm makes you our best hope.
: Paimon: Of course! If our friends are in trouble, we'll help however we can!
: Paimon: But there's one problem. Last time we went to the border, Hu Tao led the way. We don't know how to get there on our own.
: I'm guessing Ningguang already thought of that?
:Ningguang: You can seek assistance from the Conqueror of Demons at Wangshu Inn. He will show you the way.
: Paimon: Oh, Xiao! Of course.
:Ningguang: Heh, Yelan was preparing to travel to the border herself before you two entered the picture. So naturally, he has been briefed on the situation.
: Understood. We will head out right away.
:Ningguang: This rescue mission is of the utmost importance. Director Hu must be brought back safe and sound.
: Consider it done.
:Ningguang: Then I'll wait here for the good news.
:;(The Traveler and Paimon leave)
:Yelan: We got lucky. If I'd gone, I don't know what my chances would have been.
:Ningguang: Mm, but don't go putting your feet up just yet, Yelan... I'm afraid I have another mission for you.
:Yelan: ...Yeah, I figured that might be the case. What's the situation?
:Ningguang: The gate array. We've now found the locations of the gates of Life, Concealment, Fright, and Injury.
:Yelan: Is that right?
:Ningguang: Keqing and Ganyu are handling the gates of Life and Concealment, and Captain Beidou has agreed to take the Crux Fleet to guard the Gate of Fright.
:Ningguang: That leaves the Gate of Injury. I've racked my brains, and other than the Conqueror of Demons, I can't think of anyone more suitable for this one than you.
:Yelan: Hmm? Oh...
:Yelan: ...I see. It's in The Chasm.
:Ningguang: That's right. As for the remaining four gates, we are working to calculate their positions based on what we know of the array so far. It shouldn't take long now.
:Ningguang: When I last saw Director Hu, she said that if worse comes to worst, activating the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Array may be our only option.
:Yelan: ...
:Ningguang: ...But if you have doubts, I would like to hear them.
:Yelan: I don't know much about this magic array. But doesn't it involve obfuscating one of the people involved?
:Ningguang: ...
:Ningguang: *sigh* That is what troubles me, too... Let's continue this discussion another time.
;(Talk to Ningguang, optional)
:Ningguang: You have an update for me already?
: Paimon: Uh... no, we were just about to head off actually!
----
;(Approach Xiao in Wangshu Inn)
: Paimon: Xiao! You're already here.
:Xiao: ...It's you two? Where's Yelan?
: There's been a change of plan.
:Xiao: Do you have any idea how dangerous this mission is?
:
: Paimon: We'll be fine. Danger's never stopped before, has it?
:Xiao: The border between life and death is a treacherous place at the best of times, and the recent disturbances will only make it more so. You will face great peril at every step of the way.
: There are people stranded there. We have to get them back.
: Paimon: Exactly. Plus, we made a promise to Ningguang.
:Xiao: ...Please, go back and tell them to send Yelan instead.
: Paimon: What!? Are we not good enough?
:Xiao: I would feel more comfortable sending Yelan. She is privy to a secret art practiced by her clan, plus, she has extensive experience in battle. If anything was to happen to ...
: Paimon: Ohh, so you're just worried for safety. Wait, but has extensive experience in battle too!
:Xiao: ...
: Paimon: Come on, think of something!
: We... promised Zhongli we would go.
: Paimon: Huh? What do you...
: (Show Xiao the Rex Coin from Zhongli)
: Paimon: Uh... Oh! Yeah, so um... This is a protective talisman that Zhongli gave us. It's even got the symbol of Rex Lapis on it — see?
: Paimon: He said we'd better get Hu Tao back safe and sound, or there'll be consequences!
:Xiao: Your attempts to mislead me are futile. That coin is clearly a counterfeit — it carries only the symbol of Rex Lapis, and none of his power.
: Paimon: Oh... Uh, drat! Zhongli swindled us, hehe... heh...
: What's worrying you, Xiao?
:Xiao: I fear the bad karma I carry would only disturb the border further. So, while I can show you to the entrance... I cannot venture inside with you.
: Paimon: Oh, so that's what this is about. You're worried that you won't be able to rescue us if something bad happens, huh? Paimon can understand, but still...
: I'm not the one you should be worried about.
: Paimon: Right! Hu Tao understands the border better than anyone. Without her, no one has a clue how to handle this situation.
: Plus, we've been there before.
: Paimon: Yup! That makes us the second most experienced border-goers after Hu Tao!
: Dare to trust us.
:Xiao: *sigh*...
:Xiao: Very well. Then, hold tight.
----
: Paimon: Whoa! That was fast!
:Xiao: The border should be nearby.
: Paimon: ...So, do you know the spell to open the border?
:Xiao: No. Balancing the forces of life and death has always been the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's domain. I am not familiar with their craft.
:Xiao: But since the border has been disrupted, fetor is leaking out. We simply need to find where the leak is — that will be your entrance.
:Xiao: Evil Conquering!
: Paimon: That was amazing... So you can see fetor?
:Xiao: With my adeptus perception, I can sense the presence of the abnormal. Whether it's fetor or not, we shall see soon enough. Let's go.
;(Approach the ball of fetor)
::Attack the ball of fetor to temporarily dispel it
;(Attack the second ball of fetor)
: Paimon: ...Monsters!
:Xiao: The fetor has sent them into a frenzy... Stand back. I'll deal with them.
;(Attack the ball of fetor at the entrance)
:Xiao: This is the place.
: Paimon: Looks like it was fetor you saw back there after all.
:Xiao: As I said earlier, this is as far as I can accompany you, or I risk doing more harm than good. You'll be on your own from here.
: Don't worry. We'll be okay.
:Xiao: Hmm... Lean your head in for a second.
:Xiao: Kavirudhaka! Huh!
: Paimon: Huh? What did you do?
:Xiao: I placed a Witness Sigil on your forehead so you can share my powers of perception. Now you'll be able to see the fetor. There's no knowing what things are like in there, but hopefully this will help.
:Xiao: When you find them, call my name. I will open a passage and pull you out.
: Paimon: Thanks Xiao, you've thought of everything! Back in a jiffy!
:Xiao: Be extremely careful.
;(Talk to Xiao, optional)
:Xiao: Be extremely careful.
----
;(Inside the domain)
: Paimon: Hmm... Paimon kinda recognizes this place from last time, but something feels different...
;(While near the device without Xiao's ability activated)
::Use Xiao's ability to look for anything unusual
;(While near the device with Xiao's ability activated)
::Attack the Fetor Node to dispel the fetor
;(Approach the hole in the ground)
: Paimon: The path ends here... Should we jump down? Isn't that how we did it last time?
;(Approach the cave opening)
: Paimon: Huh? We're nearly at the end, right? How come we still haven't found them yet...?
;(Exit the cave)
: Paimon: Also, it's kinda hard to tell that there's been a huge disaster here. It seems just as serene as last time... Maybe try using Xiao's ability?
::Use Xiao's ability to look for anything unusual
;(Dispel the Fetor Node)
: Paimon: Hey! That's one of Madame Lan's rattan figures! It just ran away... Let's go after it!
;(Catch the first rattan figure)
:;(The rattan figure disappears into a stone lamp and it lights up)
: Paimon: The rattan figure is covered in fetor... How did that happen? Hmm, let's see if there are any more.
;(Catch the second rattan figure)
:;(The rattan figure disappears into a stone lamp and it lights up)
: Paimon: Why would Madame Lan leave her rattan figures here? It's like she's using them to cast some sort of spell. Well, if there's two, Paimon bets there's gotta be more!
;(Catch the third rattan figure)
:;(The rattan figure disappears into a stone lamp and it lights up)
:;(The Traveler looks around and the area begins to shake, revealing the same area but in ruins)
: Paimon: Waah! What's going on? Where is this? ...Oh, is this what the border actually looks like now? It's horrific...
;(Approach the hole in the ground)
: Paimon: Get ready to jump again...
;(Approach the tree)
:Qiqi: I'm sleepy...
:
:Hu Tao: Don't fall asleep, Qiqi! You've already absorbed too much fetor. If you fall asleep, you'll never wake up again!
:Qiqi: But... so sleepy...
: Lan Yan: Focus on my voice, Qiqi. You are not feeling sleepy. You are the most awake person in the whole world. Even if everyone else falls asleep, you are going to stay wide awake.
:Qiqi: Whole world, asleep... Qiqi, awake...
:Hu Tao: That was impressive. I didn't know hypnotism worked in reverse.
: Lan Yan: Even so, it doesn't really solve anything...
:Hu Tao: Hang in there. I'm close to figuring out how to get to the exit.
:Qiqi: Want to... close my eyes... and dream...
: Lan Yan: Fight it, Qiqi, fight it!
:Hu Tao: A dream, huh? Alright, Qiqi, lemme help you with that. Now listen closely, this is how your dream is going to go:
:Hu Tao: Picking herbs in the blazing sun, Qiqi wipes her brow.
:Qiqi: Picking herbs... Qiqi...
:Hu Tao: She finds a temple on a hill, and goes to seek the Dao.
:Qiqi: Temple... on a hill...
:Hu Tao: An old priest greets her at the door — surprise! Her name's Hu Tao!
:Qiqi: H—Hu Tao?
:Hu Tao: She grabs young Qiqi with both hands... and buries her deep underground! By Rex Lapis, she'll never be found!
:Qiqi: No! Don't bury me! Help...
:Hu Tao: Not so sleepy now, are you?
:Qiqi: No, wide awake with fright...
: Lan Yan: Hmm?
: Lan Yan: Drat... Hu Tao, we've got a problem. Somehow, they've broken through my illusion!
:Hu Tao: The monsters, you mean?
:Qiqi: Monsters...
: Lan Yan: Don't be afraid, Qiqi. We'll protect you.
: Paimon: Hu Tao! Madame Lan, Qiqi! Oh, thank goodness we finally found you!
:Hu Tao: What the...? Oh, so it was you guys!
:Qiqi: , Paimon...
: Lan Yan: You frightened me for a second — I thought my illusion had been undone by a bunch of monsters... How did you find this place?
:Hu Tao: Let me guess, the Tianquan sent you? I knew she'd act if I missed our meeting.
: Paimon: Wow, so Hu Tao really planned ahead! She knew someone would come after her.
: It's dangerous here. Time to get out.
: Lan Yan: It's not as simple as that. This place is changing constantly. Director Hu has found the exit plenty of times, but it would always close before we can get to it.
: Paimon: Hehe, don't worry, we've got you covered!
: (Call Xiao's Name)
:Xiao: You... found them?
:Hu Tao: Oh, the Conqueror of Demons is coming? Why, thank you!
:Xiao: No need... I'll open the passage now...
:Qiqi: M—Monsters!
: Lan Yan: Drat. They must have sensed the new way out.
:Hu Tao: Hmph, let 'em come — it's their funeral. Courtesy of Director Hu.
:Xiao: This will take me a minute or so...
: Paimon: Hurry, we've got to fend them off!
:Qiqi: I'll help too.
;(If the Portal Condition reaches 0%)
: Paimon: Hurry, we've got to fend them off!
:Qiqi: I'll help too.
;(If the Portal Condition is above 0% when the timer expires)
:;(The group returns to Wuwang Hill)
: Paimon: Hehehe, you see, Xiao? Told you we'd be fine!
:Xiao: I'm glad you made it out.
: Lan Yan: Excuse me, Sir, but are you the legendary Conqueror of Demons?
:Xiao: You may spare the formalities. Is everyone okay?
:Hu Tao: We're alright, but Qiqi absorbed a little too much fetor.
: Start from the beginning. What exactly happened?
:Qiqi: I was picking herbs. Then I saw a hole.
:Qiqi: I tried to block the hole...
:Qiqi: But instead, I fell in.
: Lan Yan: There's clearly something special about Qiqi. If I'd absorbed that much fetor, I don't think I'd still be around to tell the tale...
:Hu Tao: Qiqi's condition is certainly... unique. But regardless, it was still a risky call.
: Paimon: Well then, let's get her to Bubu Pharmacy, shall we?
:Xiao: I'll take her. Your work is still not done, so you should return to Yujing Terrace.
: Paimon: Oh, true. We shouldn't keep Ningguang waiting any longer. She's probably as stressed as a slime in a hot spring by this point, right?
: ...I highly doubt it.
: Paimon: Okay, well, we can discuss that later — let's just head back.
----
;(Approach Ningguang at Yujing Terrace)
: Paimon: Ningguang, Ningguang! We got everyone back safely!
:Ningguang: Impressive work, . You were even quicker than I expected.
: Paimon: Paimon thought you'd be super anxious, having to wait for us here at Yujing Terrace. But you seem as calm as ever...
: See? And you thought she'd be hopping around like a slime.
:Ningguang: Hehe, if I can't trust you, then I really don't know who I can turn to.
:Hu Tao: My apologies, Lady Tianquan! I promise I'm not usually late for appointments, let alone by a whole day... Hope you can understand!
:Ningguang: No apology necessary, Director Hu. It was my mistake letting you go to the border by yourself.
:Hu Tao: Don't say that! Even I didn't think the situation would get this bad.
: How bad is "this bad"?
:Ningguang: I'd like to know, too. How dangerous is the situation we face? And how does it compare to previous cases?
:Hu Tao: Way worse. Like waaaaaay, way worse!
: Lan Yan: Huh? So this isn't the first time? I've never heard of this happening before...
:Hu Tao: Well, don't forget, the border isn't part of the natural landscape. It's more like an old house that's gradually falling apart.
:Hu Tao: So it requires maintenance every once in a while — sometimes every few centuries, sometimes every other decade or so. And of course, that is the responsibility of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
:Hu Tao: In the past, though, the worst it got was a few small fetor leaks. That's an easy fix with our secret art — it burns it all away no problem. But this time is different... Inside the border, it's like the whole world has been turned upside down...
:Ningguang: Do you have any idea what the cause might be?
:Hu Tao: Not so far, no.
: Maybe it's the Abyss?
:Hu Tao: I doubt it. I haven't found any traces of Abyssal activity.
: Paimon: You're thinking about Natlan, right? It did feel kind of similar... But not exactly the same.
: Paimon: Is Liyue's border anything like the Night Kingdom in Natlan?
:Ningguang: Ah yes, I've heard a little about the crisis there. But as far as I understand, the Night Kingdom is a true realm of the dead, while the border is more of a boundary world between life and death.
:Hu Tao: Yep. It's a demarcation line: life on side, death on the other. So if the border fails, souls will pour out, and the whole thing becomes a chaotic mix of life and death. Just like what happened all those millennia ago.
: Paimon: No wonder so many people have been aging faster than normal...
:Hu Tao: It's a symptom of death encroaching on the world of the living.
: Lan Yan: Then, what should we do now?
:Hu Tao: Burning away the fetor won't do any good, because the issue is the border itself. Lady Tianquan, any progress on the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method I mentioned last time?
:Ningguang: Yes. We've deduced the locations of four of the gates, and we should be able to pinpoint the rest of the array before long.
:Hu Tao: Whoa, already? The Tianquan doesn't mess around!
:Ningguang: Several strokes of luck were involved. Our nation is blessed with good fortune.
: Paimon: Wait a second! That gates method you mentioned... are you talking about the one from the Sanctification of Tao Dou!?
:Hu Tao: That's the one. You've seen the state of the border. I can't think of any other way to fix it besides a complete do-over.
: Paimon: Do-over? You mean, make a whole new border?
:Hu Tao: No, no, not the whole border — just the part that's been giving us grief. Which is just as well — reconstructing the whole thing would be much more difficult.
: What is this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method?
:Hu Tao: The eight gates refer to eight key nodes in Liyue's Ley Lines: Life, Death, Repose, Concealment, Initiation, Terrain, Fright, and Injury. They can be used to direct the Ley Lines' energy.
: Paimon: And the seven?
:Hu Tao: That's the requirement for activating the array. The array master will select one gate from the eight to subdue evil, cutting off its exit path by using the Ley Lines' power to obfuscate themselves.
: Paimon: ...What do you mean, "obfuscate"?
: Lan Yan: As in, disappear from the Ley Lines completely, never to be seen again — taking the banished evil along with them.
: Paimon: So... so someone has to die for this to work? But... you can't seriously be considering this?
:Hu Tao: Now, now, don't worry! That's the traditional interpretation, but people just assumed that because the Lone Butterfly sacrificed herself.
:Hu Tao: But let's not forget, they were purifying a whole god! As bad as things are now, it's still a far cry from what they had to deal with. Besides, the border isn't completely ruined, so we're only fixing one part of it.
:Hu Tao: If you ask me, as long as the array master can withstand a huge blast of fetor, they'll be just fine.
:Ningguang: Oh? Do you have any proof to back up this statement, Director Hu?
:Hu Tao: My proof is that I know the most about life and death out of everybody here! Unless anyone wants to dispute that?
:Hu Tao: ...No one? Okay good. Looks like we're all in agreement. In that case, we can plan our next steps as soon as the Tianquan has found the remaining four gates.
:Ningguang: Director Hu...
:Hu Tao: Hmm? Something to add, Lady Tianquan?
:Ningguang: No... There is something else that I'd like to ask about, but it might not be my place to do so. If you do not wish to answer, then please pretend I never said anything.
:Hu Tao: Sure, what is it?
:Ningguang: Do you believe that today's border crisis could have anything to do with the Wuwang Hill Disaster from over a decade ago?
:Hu Tao: ...
: Paimon: Huh? There was a disaster at Wuwang Hill? What happened?
: Lan Yan: Some sort of natural disaster, wasn't it? There used to be a village there, but then there was a flood or something. It took a lot of lives, and all the survivors moved away.
: Lan Yan: Hmm... But that doesn't explain how Wuwang Hill became the dark and gloomy place it is today. Maybe there was... more to it?
:Hu Tao: Phew...
:Hu Tao: No, Lady Tianquan. I don't think these two events are related.
:Ningguang: Excellent, well that puts my mind at ease. Everyone, let's meet here again in two days. We should know the locations of all the gates by then.
:Hu Tao: Alright. Well, I've still got a lot of preparations to make, so I'll be heading back to the funeral parlor now.
: Lan Yan: Sounds good. If we're all done here, I'd better get going too.
: Paimon: Wait... Lan Yan, Paimon meant to ask. How did you know where to find Hu Tao? Did you already know something was wrong with the border?
: Lan Yan: Oh, haha, that? Yeah, I definitely owe you an explanation. Why don't you meet me at the Adventurers' Guild later? I just need to write a letter to my family first. I want to let them know I'm fine, and I also have some questions I want to ask them.
: Paimon: Alright, then we'll see you at the Adventurers' Guild!
;(Talk to Ningguang, optional)
:Ningguang: Hmm...
: What's bothering you, Ningguang?
:Ningguang: The Wuwang Hill Disaster has always haunted me... Still, if Director Hu says the incidents are unrelated, I probably shouldn't pry any further...
----
;(Approach the Adventurer's Guild)
: Lan Yan: , Paimon! Over here! Perfect timing — I literally just posted my letter.
: Lan Yan: Anyway, back to your question... Let me guess, you're probably thinking I predicted the border crisis with some kind of mysterious magic?
: Paimon: Well, yeah. Aren't the Lans of Chenyu Vale all experts at Qimen Divination, or something?
: Lan Yan: *sigh* No, that's simply not true. Yes, the Qimen arts have been practiced in my clan for many generations, and yes, Wind Reader is listed as one of our ancestors in the genealogy...
: Lan Yan: But my family are only distant relatives — we branched off from the main family line long ago. By my grandpa's generation, the only Qimen he knew was a few parlor tricks.
: Lan Yan: Put it like this — my grandpa makes a living telling fortunes in Yilong Wharf, but I'm making more than him just selling my handmade arts and crafts.
: Paimon: Huh... So why exactly did you come to look for Hu Tao?
: Lan Yan: Because Grandpa's readings have gone sideways recently. The romance and career fortunes are doing okay, but when it comes to longevity, everyone's reading is suddenly saying they only have a few years left to live. It gave grandpa quite a fright.
: Lan Yan: Fearing backlash from his clients, he closed shop and shut himself away at home, trying to divine an answer to the strange readings. But after days and nights of divination, the only clue he got was: "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
: Lan Yan: Right around that time, I happened to receive an invitation from the Ministry of Civil Affairs to organize a street fair. So, I figured I might as well drop by the funeral parlor to see what Director Hu might know about all this.
: Paimon: Oh... Wait, so... Your grandpa's divinations were correct all along, weren't they? The longevity readings were affected by the border crisis, and "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor" was the answer, because they can fix it!
: Lan Yan: It's certainly looking that way. Apparently, every soul in Liyue is now living under the creeping shadow of death, but so far, we are the only ones in the know.
: I have another question. What's the deal with this rattan figure?
: Lan Yan: Wait, that's the one I left at Miss Ying'er's shop... It's actually a product of genuine Qimen art. It's engraved with an exorcism sigil to absorb inauspicious energy in their owner's place, so they won't come to harm.
: Lan Yan: I had no idea you'd been holding onto it all this time... Haha, I guess it was meant to be. You're more than welcome to keep it if you like.
: Lan Yan: When I first arrived in Liyue Harbor, I passed by a large house, and felt a chill go down my spine. So I made a rattan figure, and gave it to the young master there.
: Lan Yan: Later on, I also sensed something similar around Timaeus, so I made another one, and left it at Scent of Spring.
: Lan Yan: Then, I followed Director Hu to Wuwang Hill, only to find she'd disappeared without a trace. While I was searching the area, I found Miss Qiqi. She was stuck in some kind of crevice, and she seemed to be blocking something from coming through.
: Lan Yan: When I tried to pull her out, we both got pulled in to a cold, dark place... which, I soon discovered, was the border.
: Lan Yan: We wandered around aimlessly for a while until we ran into Director Hu. She'd lit some incense and was burning fetor left and right with a flaming staff.
: Lan Yan: But there was just too much... There was no way she could hope to get rid of it all. Worse still, the fetor blocked off the way we'd come in, trapping us inside. Thank goodness you came to our rescue!
: Paimon: Whew, what an ordeal... Still, your family sounds more impressive than you let on — didn't you use some kind of illusion magic in the border?
: Lan Yan: Ah, yes. Actually, that and the rattan figures are things I learned from one of my cousins in the main branch of my family. She's been practicing the Qimen arts since she was little. She's also the one I posed some questions to in my letter back home.
: Questions about the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method?
: Lan Yan: Wow. Good guess... Yes, I want to know for sure whether sacrificing one of the participants is a necessary part of the method or not. I figured she might know.
: Paimon: Huh? But Hu Tao already told us it won't come to that... She said we just need to make sure the person can withstand a strong blast of fetor.
: Lan Yan: Mm... I certainly hope that's true, but I can't help but feel uneasy about it. I haven't known Director Hu for long, but... I get the sense that she prefers to keep the truth bottled up sometimes.
: Lan Yan: Sure, she talks a lot, and isn't afraid to broach dark and uncomfortable topics. But she really hasn't said much in the way of her own, private thoughts. It's like she's already got a plan, and is keeping it to herself.
: Paimon: You mean... You think she lied to us...?
: Lan Yan: I wouldn't call it "lying," per se, but... remember when the Tianquan asked about the incident at Wuwang Hill from a decade ago?
: Paimon: Yep! Hu Tao said that it doesn't have anything to do with what's happening now. Are you saying they actually are related?
: Do you know anything about what happened back then, Lan Yan?
: Lan Yan: I just heard that there was a flood. But given everything that's going on, I think it likely had to do with the border as well. That would at least explain the strange weather going on at Wuwang Hill.
: Lan Yan: I remember my cousin saying that around that time, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor set up an altar on top of the hill. I just assumed it was for a funeral, but now, I can't help but wonder if it was some sort of ritual to try and fix the border.
: Lan Yan: Anyway, the ceremony was hosted jointly by two former directors of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Namely, Hu Tao's father and grandfather.
:
The Funeral Parlor Has No Master, Yujing Terrace Calls the Troops Quest Still 1.png
: Paimon: Whoa, really? Hu Tao's never mentioned her dad to us before... How strange. So you think there's more to this story, huh?
: Lan Yan: Yeah... But since she brushed it aside when the Tianquan asked her about it, I don't see how I can broach the topic. I've only known her for a few days...
: I guess we should go talk to Hu Tao ourselves.
: Paimon: Huh? You think we should ask her about it? But she's never opened up to us about family stuff before... What if she shuts us out?
: Then that's her choice. All we can do is try.
: Then you can keep poking her till she tells us the truth.
:: Paimon: Hey! That isn't very nice!
: Paimon: *sigh* Alright, let's go find her, and take it from there...
;(Talk to Lan Yan, optional)
: Lan Yan: I hope my family will write back to me soon...
----
;(Approach Hu Tao at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor)
:Hu Tao: ...
: Paimon: Hu Tao!
:Hu Tao: , Paimon! What's up? We haven't spoken in five minutes and you're missing me already?
: Paimon: Yep! So we thought we'd come hang out with you. What were you looking at just now?
:Hu Tao: Something so amazing, you wouldn't believe it. But I'm not showing you.
: Why? ...Is it a secret photo of me?
:Hu Tao: Hahaha! Seriously though, you probably shouldn't joke about that. You don't wanna jinx it...
: Jinx it how?
:Hu Tao: Well, the people in this picture keep appearing in my dreams lately, and none of them are around anymore... So keeping you out of the picture is probably for the best.
:Hu Tao: Haha, alright, I'll quit joking around. Here, take a look.
: Paimon: Huh? Wait, are they...?
:
The Funeral Parlor Has No Master, Yujing Terrace Calls the Troops Quest Still 2.png
:Hu Tao: Yeah, my dad and my grandpa. Without this picture, I'd probably have forgotten what my dad looked like by now. When he passed, I was still too young to understand what was going on.
:Hu Tao: Everything I know about my dad, I learned from my grandpa.
: So... what happened to him?
:Hu Tao: There was a border incident on Wuwang Hill about a dozen years ago. My dad tried using the Art of Homa to burn away the fetor, but he slipped up and suffered a lethal exposure to it. He died on the spot.
: Paimon: That's awful... So, is that what made Wuwang Hill the way it is today?
:Hu Tao: Yep. His mistake didn't just cost him his own life — it took most of the village out, and left lasting changes on Wuwang Hill itself.
:Hu Tao: Thankfully, my grandpa managed to deal with the fallout — but that's not to say he escaped unscathed... He didn't even make it to sixty before he passed.
: So your grandpa was affected by the incident with your dad?
:Hu Tao: Well, he never admitted it, of course. But given how fit and healthy he was before that, I would've expected him to have a few more years in him...
: Paimon: Sounds like... You blame your dad for all of this...
:Hu Tao: How could I not? It would be one thing if he was just a spoiled brat who never amounted to anything. But he was a genius. He was, and still is, the best spellcaster in our family for generations.
:Hu Tao: Grandpa always called me gifted for mastering the Wangsheng arts by the age of eight, but by the time my dad was eight, he was already hosting rituals and incinerating fetor all by himself.
:Hu Tao: Fixing the border crisis should have been a piece of cake for him, and he messed up. Who else is there to blame, if not him?
: Paimon: But... Maybe the question is, why did he mess up?
:Hu Tao: Because he was an unworthy director. Every past director has burned away all of their belongings when they pass on, leaving at most one or two items behind.
:Hu Tao: My grandpa, for example, left only his hat behind. But my dad? He left a whole pile of stuff, including this meaningless picture...
: Paimon: But doesn't that just show how much he cared...?
:Hu Tao: No — all it shows is that he was unable to let go. And the fact that he couldn't let go is precisely why he failed during that ritual.
:Hu Tao: He was too attached to his aging father, his young daughter, and the world where we were all together.
:Hu Tao: That's why he hesitated in that final moment. Because he was afraid to die, he lost focus, and death won, taking his life and many others.
:Hu Tao: In this line of work, we know better than anyone how hard letting go can be. We see it all the time. But as funeral directors, it's the one thing we cannot allow ourselves to fall victim to.
:Hu Tao: Like Grandpa always said, we should live in life, and die in death... That's the whole basis of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's existence.
:Hu Tao: Unfortunately, with my dad, these teachings went in one ear and out the other. He really let everyone down.
: Paimon: You don't need to be so hard on him... Sure, he made a mistake, but he can't have meant for things to turn out this way.
:Hu Tao: You're missing the point, my little Paimon. It's precisely because he's my dad that I choose not to hold back.
:Hu Tao: There isn't a father in the world who would disapprove of their daughter being outspoken. Because a father's biggest fear is that once he's not around anymore, his daughter will never get to be that carefree, sassy little kid ever again.
:Hu Tao: So, I'm gonna keep talking trash about him all I want. And on the off chance he ever overhears me, I know he'll take some comfort from knowing that I never stopped just being myself and living my life my way.
:Hu Tao: Anyway, so that's a brief history of Wuwang Hill for you. Anything else on the agenda?
: Thank you for being so open with us.
:Hu Tao: Hehe, did you think I'd hide it from you? Nah, we're better buds than that.
:Hu Tao: Plus, you did just rescue me from the border, so I owe you bigtime. Answering your questions seems like the least I can do.
: Paimon: ...Alright, in that case, Paimon has one last question! Earlier, you said that no one will have to die when the array is activated... Is that the truth?
:Hu Tao: Yes. In my highly professional opinion, yes!
: Paimon: Okay, phew. That's all Paimon wanted to hear.
:Hu Tao: Try not to dwell too much on all this stuff, okay? There are still two days to go, so check out the street fair and enjoy yourself. You said it yourself, remember? Gotta keep a reasonable work-life balance.
:Hu Tao: I'll see you at Yujing Terrace in two days. This time, we're gonna turn death to ashes!
:;(Quest completes)
;(Talk to Hu Tao, optional)
:Hu Tao: Guys, seriously — go rest and relax while you can! We have a big job coming up in two days' time.
==Gallery==
==Soundtracks==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
ru:В ритуальном бюро «Ваншэн» нет хозяйки, а терраса Юйцзин созывает войска
vi:Vãng Sinh Đường Ba Ngày Vô Chủ, Ngọc Kinh Đài Phái Tướng Điều Binh