Qimen Arts and the Rite of Homa, the Spirits are Calmed and Life Restored

Qimen Arts and the Rite of Homa, the Spirits are Calmed and Life Restored is the third part of the Springtime Charms Event.
==Steps==
# Wait until two days later
# Go to Yujing Terrace
# Go with Hu Tao to meet your friends
# Head to the next stop
# Celebrate the Lantern Rite...
# Follow the rattan figure to search for Hu Tao
# Find Hu Tao as soon as possible
# Cross over to the other side, towards the next life...
# Talk to Paimon
# Take a look outside
==Gameplay Notes==
* During steps 5 and 6, the active character will be limited to the Traveler.
* During step 5, if the player leaves the area, the quest step will become "Wait for the Lantern Rite to begin..." A quest marker will appear at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and approaching it will resume the quest at the previous black screen text.
* During step 6:
** If the player exits the domain, they will have to complete step 5 again.
** If the small Fetor Nodes are dispelled before the rattan figure reaches them, it will fly past without getting stuck.
* During step 8, the active character will be limited to Hu Tao, and will grow where she walks.
==Dialogue==
;(Pass time)
: Paimon: Today's the day Ningguang said to meet up again. Let's head to Yujing Terrace!
;(Approach Ningguang at Yujing Terrace)
: Paimon: Whoa, everyone's here already...
:Hu Tao: Hey, Paimon. Did you have a good rest?
: Paimon: Hehe, yup! Pretty good, thanks!
: How's the situation looking?
:Ningguang: Since we last met, we've seen an uptick in patient numbers in Liyue Harbor.
: Lan Yan: Also, my cousin wrote back to me. She mentioned that people have started to get sick in Yilong Wharf as well.
: Paimon: Oh no, it's spread to Yilong Wharf now?
:Hu Tao: Mm, but as long as we solve the core problem, the fetor in people's bodies will dissipate, and they'll make a speedy recovery.
:Hu Tao: And the good news is that thanks to the Tianquan's efforts, we now have the locations of all eight gates.
: Paimon: Woohoo! So what's the plan?
:Ningguang: Tonight, we will deploy the array, and set up a Homa Altar at each of the gates. This will enable the funeral parlor's secret art to incinerate the fetor.
:Ningguang: Since the gates are interconnected via the Ley Lines, the secret art will be amplified to all of Liyue. Not a single wisp of fetor will escape its grasp.
:Hu Tao: Mm-hmm! It's gonna be the biggest purification ceremony in the funeral parlor's history.
: Okay, so what are the locations of the eight gates?
:Ningguang: You needn't worry — they're all accounted for. Actually, we already knew the locations of the first four two days ago.
:Ningguang: Keqing has already set out for the Gate of Life in Yilong Wharf, and Ganyu is en route to the Gate of Concealment at Mt. Aocang. Beidou is covering the Gate of Fright at Guyun Stone Forest, and Yelan will tackle the Gate of Injury at the Chasm.
:Ningguang: As of last night, we confirmed the locations of the remaining four gates. The fifth is the Gate of Terrain at Dihua Marsh, which the Conqueror of Demons has pledged to defend.
:Ningguang: The sixth is the Gate of Repose in Qingce Village. This one has been claimed by the Bubu Pharmacy duo.
:Ningguang: The seventh is the Gate of Initiation, located here in Liyue Harbor. Lan Yan and I will see to this one.
: Paimon: What about the final gate?
:Hu Tao: Last but not least is the Gate of Death at Wuwang Hill. Which, let's be honest, has Director Hu written all over it.
: Paimon: Huh? Wait, so you've assigned all of the gates already!?
:Hu Tao: Sorry! You got here too late.
: Let me take the Gate of Death.
::Hu Tao: You trying to steal my job now? Nuh-uh, hands off!
:: Paimon: But the Gate of Death sounds so dangerous... And you only just got back from the border...
::Hu Tao: You're right that it's the most dangerous gate. Which is exactly why it needs an expert on life and death like me!
: Alright, lemme guess: There's a secret ninth gate for me?
:: Paimon: Yeah! People are always saying eight gates when they mean nine — it happens all the time, right?
::Hu Tao: Nope, not in my experience.
:Hu Tao: If you have to take a gate, go steal the Tianquan's instead, hehe.
:Ningguang: , I appreciate your eagerness to help, and as it happens, Miss Lan Yan and I do have a matter we'd like to discuss with you.
: Lan Yan: That's right. But let's discuss it once Director Hu's done with you.
: Wait... so Director Hu DOES need me for something?
:Hu Tao: Hehe, sorry, I went ahead and told them I'd be stealing you for a little while.
:Hu Tao: I haven't had much time to enjoy myself this Lantern Rite. And come this evening, I have to leave the city again, which means I'll miss out on all the lanterns.
:Hu Tao: So I want to use the little down time I have to go hand out some fortune coins to my friends. Then I can at least say I did Lantern Rite this year. Fancy joining me for that?
: Absolutely.
:Ningguang: Hehe, this is the one thing Director Hu's had to look forward to. Otherwise, she'd have set out for Wuwang Hill by now.
: Paimon: Oh, so you were waiting for us all this time?
:Hu Tao: Hehe, it's okay. Since time was tight, I already asked the Tianquan to pass along my fortune coins to all the people handling the gates.
:Hu Tao: I'm grateful for their help — it should have been be the funeral parlor's responsibility, after all.
:Ningguang: Think nothing of it, Director Hu.
:Hu Tao: Anyway, I have a few friends left to visit in Liyue Harbor. Let's do the rounds, shall we?
;(After the cutscene)
:Hu Tao: We should head to Bubu Pharmacy first, or I won't catch them before they head out for Qingce Village.
;(Talk to Ningguang, optional)
:Ningguang: Don't forget to come back here after Director Hu is done with you. There's a favor I would like to ask of you.
: About the people assigned to the eight gates...
:Ningguang: Heh, you want to drop by and say hello to them? Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make it back in time.
:Ningguang: The Gate of Life is at Yilong Wharf, and the Gate of Concealment at Mt. Aocang. They are being seen to by Keqing and Ganyu respectively.
:Ningguang: The Gate of Fright can be found at Guyun Stone Forest, and the Gate of Injury is at The Chasm. Those are assigned to Beidou and Yelan.
:Ningguang: As for the Gate of Terrain at Dihua Marsh, that's been taken by the Conqueror of Demons. These five are all on location already.
;(Talk to Lan Yan, optional)
: Lan Yan: See you shortly, . We'll be waiting!
: About the eight gates...
: Lan Yan: Oh? You want to learn more about the gates? Well, as you heard earlier, the gates are basically eight key nodes in Liyue's Ley Line network.
: Lan Yan: You must be wondering why the Ministry of Civil Affairs had to do so much work to find out the locations of the gates?
: Lan Yan: Well, the Qimen arts teach that the state of the Ley Lines is intricately linked to human activity. Each can affect the other.
: Lan Yan: In other words, the gates' locations are subject to change over time.
: Lan Yan: For instance, before our ancestors moved to Chenyu Vale, they lived near the Chasm. My grandpa says that back then, the gate there was the Gate of Life — yet all these years on, it's become the Gate of Injury.
: Lan Yan: So we had to map out the gates all over again to make sure we're deploying the array properly.
;(Talk to Keqing at the Yilong Dais, optional)
:Keqing: Oh, , Paimon... What bring you here?
: Paimon: We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how you were doing.
:Keqing: I see. So Ningguang's explained the situation to you already.
: About the Gate of Life...
:Keqing: The Gate of Life symbolizes growth, prosperity, and revitalization. It is the most auspicious of all eight gates. As you can see, this gate is currently situated at Yilong Wharf.
:Keqing: Later tonight, I will use the power of this gate and Director Hu's rattan figure to take on some of the fetor blast for her. With each gate helping to share the load... Yes, I'm sure we'll make it through this crisis.
;(Talk to Ganyu on Mt. Aocang, optional)
:Ganyu: Hey there you two... I wasn't expecting your company here at Mt. Aocang.
: Paimon: We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how you were doing.
: About the Gate of Concealment...
:Ganyu: Don't worry. This Gate is a place of refuge, peace, and good fortune. It's the perfect place for Master and the other adepti to live in seclusion. I believe they're currently discussing something in Master's abode.
:Ganyu: Once this crisis is over, you'd be more than welcome to come and stay here for a little while. It'd be good for your health.
;(Talk to Beidou near the Teleport Waypoint in Guyun Stone Forest, optional)
:Beidou: Hey! How'd you end up stranded out here? Ningguang didn't actually rope you into this too, did she?
: Paimon: We heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see how it's going.
: About the Gate of Fright...
:Beidou: Ah, so you already know what's what.
:Beidou: Since ancient times, the Gate of Fright has been known as a gate of great misfortune. It usually shows up in places filled with fear and desolation.
:Beidou: I guess this place checks all the boxes, with all the demons Rex Lapis suppressed here.
:Beidou: But the Crux Fleet is right at home in places like this, hahaha.
:Beidou: If I didn't have to work tonight, I'd have loved to take you on a walk around the area.
;(Talk to Yelan near the eastern Teleport Waypoint in the Chasm, optional)
:Yelan: Oh? Fancy seeing you here. Don't you have business with Director Hu to attend to?
: Paimon: Whoa, you really gather intel like it's going out of fashion... But anyway — we heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to check-in.
: About the Gate of Injury...
:Yelan: It's piqued your curiosity, huh? Well, this is one of the least fun gates there is. The Gate of Injury symbolizes wounds and loss. It's one of the three gates of great misfortune, along with the Gates of Death and Fright.
:Yelan: A long, long time ago, this was actually the home of the present-day people of Chenyu Vale.
:Yelan: But as you know, there was a huge disaster here. My ancestors fought alongside the Yakshas, and gave their lives to save Liyue from peril.
:Yelan: That's why it has to be me here, guarding this gate. Unless you've got other burning questions, I must ask you to leave at once.
:Yelan: I'm sure you still remember the time we explored the depths of this place together... And I trust you haven't forgotten just how dangerous it was?
;(Talk to Xiao in front of Wangshu Inn, optional)
:Xiao: Hmm? , Paimon. How are you feeling after your trip to the border?
: Paimon: We're feeling great, thanks! We just heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see if there were any issues.
: About the Gate of Terrain...
:Xiao: No need to worry. Though the Gate of Terrain symbolizes fire and volatility, it also stands for light, growth, and prosperity. For that reason, it is seen as a somewhat auspicious gate.
:Xiao: The greatest challenge of tonight will be found not here, but at Hu Tao's Gate of Death.
:Xiao: I will do my utmost to alleviate her burden.
----
;(Approach Bubu Pharmacy)
:Qiqi: Hu Tao, , and Paimon...
: Baizhu: Oh? I didn't expect to see you here at this hour.
:Changsheng: We are just about to set out for Qingce Village!
:Hu Tao: Hehe, guess we caught you just in time, then. We're here to deliver some fortune coins!
: Baizhu: Hm, you're in unusually good spirits, Director Hu... Even pesky Baizhu gets a fortune coin today?
:Hu Tao: Of course, of course! There's enough for everyone. Here, this one's for you.
: Baizhu: It's the sun symbol...
:Hu Tao: You're absolutely right, Dr. Baizhu — in terms of your peskiness, I mean.
:Hu Tao: So I'm afraid I won't be wishing you success in your medical and immortality-seeking endeavors. That would just make things unnecessarily difficult for me.
:Hu Tao: The sun symbol symbolizes peace and harmony in the world. My wish is that all shall be cured of their ailments before arriving at your door, so you'll be spared the sight of pain and suffering.
:Changsheng: Haha, I see. Director Hu's hoping that you go out of business, Baizhu.
:Hu Tao: Hehe, Changsheng, this one's for you.
:Changsheng: Let me see, let me see... Ooh, a cross symbol!
:Hu Tao: Mm-hmm! The cross symbol represents growth, prosperity, and balance between heaven and earth. May you soon regain all the power and memories you possessed in your prime!
:Changsheng: That's very thoughtful of you, Director Hu. I assume you also brought one for Qiqi?
:Qiqi: F—For me?
:Hu Tao: Yup! This peace symbol coin is for you, Qiqi. It symbolizes safe passage. In other words — stay away from dangerous place the next time you go herb-gathering.
:Hu Tao: If anything were to happen to you, poor Mr. Baizhu would be in a real pickle — because he'd have no one to study the secrets of immortality from.
:Hu Tao: And I'd be affected too, of course. I can't bury you if I don't know where you are.
:Qiqi: Uh, got it...
: Paimon: Aw, it's nice to see that Qiqi's recovering well from all that fetor at the border.
:Qiqi: I am a zombie. Zombies can't get sick.
: Baizhu: In fact, Qiqi insisted on joining me at the gate tonight. She's determined to help eradicate the fetor.
:Qiqi: Bad fetor. I don't like it.
:Qiqi: It can make people sick, and then Baizhu has to heal them. It can also make people die. And then they have to get buried by Hu Tao.
:Qiqi: Too much trouble...
:Hu Tao: Don't worry, Qiqi. Tonight, we'll solve the problem once and for all.
:Hu Tao: Alright, everyone, we won't overstay our welcome.
: Baizhu: One moment, Director Hu.
:Hu Tao: What's wrong? ...Huh? Wait, what are you doing?
:Changsheng: Aha, so the secret art works even when there's no illness present... Seems like a sizeable step forward for Baizhu's research.
: Baizhu: Tonight, you will stand guard over the Gate of Death — the most ominous gate of them all. It may not help much, but I transferred a little extra life force to you. May it help you stay alert and focused during the proceedings.
:Hu Tao: Hopefully not at a detriment to your own health, though?
: Baizhu: You needn't worry about that. As your archenemy, why would I undermine myself to help my opponent?
:Hu Tao: Hahaha, alright, well said. Okay — this time I really am leaving. Bye, everyone.
:Qiqi: Good luck, Hu Tao...
;(After the cutscene)
: Paimon: Where to next?
:Hu Tao: To pay a visit to Yun Jin!
;(Talk to Baizhu or Qiqi, optional)
: Baizhu: We are grateful for Director Hu's well wishes. Don't worry about us — focus on your own duties.
:Qiqi: Good luck, Hu Tao...
;(Approach Yun Jin)
:Hu Tao: Oh, Yun Jin! Aka, Ms. Yun! Also aka Director Yun!
:Yun Jin: Huh? Hu Tao? What bring you here? Oh, and and Paimon, too...
:Yun Jin: Is this about the other day? I swear, I didn't say anything bad about you! They were just trying to find out where you'd gone!
:Hu Tao: Haha, no it's not about that! I'm just here to say hi to my friend... assuming that's alright with you?
:Yun Jin: Oh. Uh, yeah, of course!
: Paimon: Also, she brought some fortune coins for you!
:Hu Tao: Yep yep! Hehe, take a look!
:Yun Jin: What are these?
:Hu Tao: They're fortune coins engraved with the yardstick symbol. One for you, and one for Xinyan.
:Hu Tao: You're the top performing artists in all of Liyue Harbor, and I wish you success beyond measure!
:Hu Tao: Could you pass Xinyan's coin to her for me? I haven't been able to find her all day, but I know she won't miss your show tonight.
:Yun Jin: Thanks, Hu Tao. I really appreciate the coin! But... how come you can't just give it to her yourself this evening?
:Hu Tao: I'd love to, but unfortunately I won't make it to the lantern display tonight. That's the whole reason I'm here now.
:Yun Jin: Oh... how come? You have something else on?
:Hu Tao: Just a little thing I have to do for work.
:Yun Jin: Ah, right... I heard the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced that they'll be reviving an ancient ceremony tonight — something about lighting a flame to dispel the smog.
:Yun Jin: Your little work thing wouldn't have anything to do with that, would it?
:Hu Tao: You're a sharp one, Yun Jin. Yes, that's exactly it.
:Yun Jin: Is it... dangerous?
:Hu Tao: Technically, but only a teeny tiny little bit. will back me up on that.
: Yeah, Hu Tao's right.
:Yun Jin: ...Are you sure?
:Hu Tao: Ah, come on Yun Jin. I get that you won't take my word for it, but if you can't trust , whom can you trust?
:Yun Jin: I didn't mean it like that... Anyway, since you can't make it tonight, how about I sing "The Sanctification of Tao Dou" for you right now? Does that sound good?
:Hu Tao: Hehe, that's so nice of you! But since you're offering... I'd rather hear a certain other tune instead. You know the one, right?
:Yun Jin: Uh... which one? Sorry, I'm a little lost...
:Hu Tao: You know! You've sung it to me before!
: Paimon: What are you talking about? Is this supposed to be a riddle?
:Hu Tao: The opera version of the Hilitune! We made a bet, and agreed that whoever lost had to sing lyrics chosen by the winner in their own style. The result was Yun Jin's spectacular operatic version of the Hilitune. You guys seriously need to hear it.
:Hu Tao: Aw, Yun Jin... Don't tell me you're embarrassed to sing it now that the Traveler's here...?
:Yun Jin: What are you talking about? Of course not...
:Hu Tao: Pretty please, Yun Jin? Just once, for me? I really want to hear it again.
:Yun Jin: Alright, alright, I'll sing it for you after the show tonight. How about that?
:Hu Tao: Noooooo, I want to hear it now!
:Yun Jin: Why?
:Hu Tao: Oh, don't play dumb, you know why! Hu Tao's a sassy little brat who always gets whatever she wants! Mostly because she's sooo adorable that no one has the heart to turn her down! La-la-la-la-la, life is grand~
:Yun Jin: *sigh* You are unbelievable... Alright. I'll sing, but please — do not laugh at me.
: Paimon: Yay! Operatic Hilitune, let's go!
:Yun Jin: ♪ Silly-churl, billy-churl, silly-billy Hilichurl... ♪
:Hu Tao: Bravo, bravissimo! Well, what do you think — glad I dragged you out now?
: It was a truly unique performance.
:Yun Jin: I must look ridiculous...
:Hu Tao: Hee-hee, thanks for indulging me, Yun Jin. You're a star! We should head off now, as I still have one person to give a fortune coin to.
:Yun Jin: No, wait... Hu Tao, be honest. You guys aren't hiding anything from me, are you?
:Hu Tao: Of course not! Put that thought right out of your head.
:Yun Jin: Alright. Then whenever you're done with your work — whether it's tomorrow, the day after, or whenever — come find me again, and I'll sing "The Sanctification of Tao Dou" for you.
:Hu Tao: ...Hmm?
:Yun Jin: Let me rephrase. Hu Tao, — promise me you'll come and see me perform some day soon, okay?
:Hu Tao: Sure! You got it!
;(After the cutscene)
: Paimon: Where should we go next?
:Hu Tao: I'll bet the Traveler's guessed it already. Hehe, to Wanmin Restaurant we go.
;(Talk to Yun Jin, optional)
:Yun Jin: Good luck. I'll be waiting for you.
;(Approach Xiangling at Wanmin Restaurant)
: Paimon: Whoa! You got a new outfit too? You look amazing, Xiangling!
:Hu Tao: Ooh, you think? Hmm, then what does that say about my taste? Hint, hint?
: Xiangling: Yeah, yeah, Director Hu has the most exquisite taste in the world, et cetera.
: I see, so it's a gift from Hu Tao.
:Hu Tao: A thank-you gift, technically. I sought out that Fontaine fashion designer and gave her a brief description of Xiangling.
: Xiangling: Her work is incredible! Especially this Guoba hat. It's just as cute as the real Guoba!
: Guoba: ♪~
: Paimon: It's great seeing both of you together dressed in your new outfits. You almost look like sisters!
:Hu Tao: Hehe, that's a given!
:Hu Tao: Oh, also — Xiangling, I got you a little something else too. It's a fortune coin.
:Hu Tao: This career fortune coin is for you! May you go from strength to strength, and may the Wanmin Restaurant get so many customers that it needs to be rebuilt ten times bigger!
: Xiangling: I dunno, Hu Tao, you're kind of asking a lot of me there...
:Hu Tao: Wait, I'm not done! I've got two more coins — a "family fortune" one for Xingqiu, and a "spirit and vigor" one for Chongyun. I believe they've already left for Chenyu Vale, so could you pass them on when they get back?
: Xiangling: Uh... Why get me involved? Can't you just give these to them yourself?
:Hu Tao: Ugh, because I've gotta work tonight. And I don't wanna keep them waiting.
: Xiangling: Fair enough... Wait, does that mean you're involved in tonight's ceremony thing? I heard the announcement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
:Hu Tao: That's the one! As soon as the ceremony is complete, Xingqiu's great-grandfather will start to recover, and Miss Ying'er's boyfriend will be as right as rain.
: Xiangling: Whoa, sounds amazing! So is this what's been keeping you busy these past few days? No wonder we still haven't had that meal together... I bet you've barely had a moment to breathe.
: Xiangling: Once the ceremony's over, come for food with us, okay?
:Hu Tao: Sure thing! Sounds good!
: Xiangling: Promise you won't stand us up this time?
:Hu Tao: I promise! will hold me to it!
: Xiangling: Okay, I can get behind that... If you're a no-show, I'm sending to track you down and drag you back to the dinner table kicking and screaming!
: Mission accepted.
:Hu Tao: Great, then we have a deal! We should head out now — see you later Xiangling!
;(After the cutscene)
: Paimon: Alright, we've been to three places already... Is there anyone else you wanna give a coin to?
:Hu Tao: But of course! Surely you didn't think I'd forgotten about you?
: Paimon: Whoa! You got some for us, too?
:Hu Tao: Obviously! Come on, let's head to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor first.
;(Talk to Xiangling, optional)
: Xiangling: Hope everything goes smoothly. And don't leave me hanging this time!
----
;(Approach Wangsheng Funeral Parlor)
: Paimon: Hee-hee, Paimon's so excited! What fortune are we gonna get?
:Hu Tao: Give me a second... Aha, found it! Here's yours, Paimon.
: Paimon: What does this symbol mean?
:Hu Tao: It's a treasure symbol! My wish for you is that you'll always have an endless supply of Mora, so you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want!
: Paimon: Wow! You get Paimon like no one else does... Thank you, Hu Tao! Thank you so, so much!
: So where's mine, huh?
:Hu Tao: Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you! Just give me a moment, I'll be right back.
:
: Paimon: Huh? Why'd you change back, Hu Tao?
:Hu Tao: Because I'll be working tonight! Hehe, I've always been very serious when it comes to work.
: ...Is this my gift?
:Hu Tao: Look again! Do you see anything about me that's different from before?
: ...You changed clothes?
::Hu Tao: Heh... I mean, yes, but I was hoping you'd be a little more observant than that...
: Your hat...
::Hu Tao: Haha, yes! Very observant of you! And all the proof I need that you spend your free time staring longingly at pictures of me. There's no way you'd spot a detail like that otherwise.
:Hu Tao: Here. This plum branch is for you.
: Paimon: Wait, isn't this the branch from your hat!?
:Hu Tao: Yes, and going back further, it's from a tree that I planted myself. , you have countless friends in Liyue Harbor, so I'm sure you'll get plenty of fortune coins.
:Hu Tao: I wanted to give you something different. Something that will remind you of me whenever you look at it.
: Paimon: Eek! Paimon doesn't like the sound of that!
:Hu Tao: Okay, then I'll rephrase: Something you can take a look at whenever you miss me.
: You just made it worse!
:Hu Tao: What do you mean? I don't know what's going through your head... Look, all I'm saying is, I can't be by your side 24/7 like Paimon can. There's gonna be times when we're apart.
: Paimon: Phew, you scared Paimon!
: ...I've got a gift for you, too.
:Hu Tao: Huh? Wait, that sigil... Is this one of the fabled Rex coins!?
: Paimon: You've got a great eye, Hu Tao! It's a Rex coin — although, probably not the genuine article, 'cause the Conqueror of Demons told us he couldn't sense Rex Lapis's power in it.
: But still, the owner before us was someone pretty important.
: Paimon: Yeah, that too! So maybe it can keep you safe.
:Hu Tao: Wow, this is a really special gift... I'll take it! Hehe, thank you both. I'll stay safe, don't you worry.
:Hu Tao: Anyway, it's getting late, and I have a few things to get ready before I head out to Wuwang Hill. Besides, you should probably get back to Yujing Terrace now — I know the Tianquan's still waiting for you.
: Please, be careful.
:Hu Tao: Don't worry, I got this.
: Paimon: Alright then, bye-bye! And remember — the sooner you get back, the sooner we can go for a meal together! And hear Yun Jin's singing!
:Hu Tao: Got it! See ya!
:;(The Traveler and Paimon leave and Zhongli approaches)
:Hu Tao: It was so nice to spend this time with you...
:Hu Tao: Oh! What brings you here? No tea drinking today?
:Zhongli: It would be unbecoming of me to sip tea in leisure while my employer toils alone.
:Hu Tao: Aha, so you do have a heart after all.
:Zhongli: Have you made up your mind, Director?
:Hu Tao: Throughout our history, we've fought off many existential with whatever tools we had at our disposal. Today is no different, we just have to rise to the challenge.
:Hu Tao: It'll be my first time using this array, so who knows how it'll go. But if I know one thing, it's that I must drive death back where it came from.
:Hu Tao: Oh, also, gave me a special fortune coin — apparently, it's one of those Rex coins. You're more knowledgeable about this kind of thing than me though. So I'd appreciate your second opinion.
:Zhongli: It is indeed a Rex coin. It symbolizes good fortune, and may offer some use as a protective charm.
:Hu Tao: Got it. In that case... after tonight, could you please return it to for me?
:Zhongli: You wish to return the gift? For what reason?
:Hu Tao: reached Natlan, and took a trip to the land of the dead while there. It must have been incredibly dangerous.
:Hu Tao: 's made it this far unscathed, so clearly 's blessed with good fortune. But journey will only get more dangerous with each step, and that worries me.
:Hu Tao: So, if there's a chance this Rex coin really can keep a person safe, I want to make sure that person is .
:Zhongli: You make good points, Director. But have you considered that perhaps had similar wishes for you?
:Hu Tao: That's another reason I can't afford to keep it...
:Hu Tao: I don't know what's going to happen tonight. If worse comes to worst and I don't make it back, I don't want to find out this coin didn't work by discovering it in a pile of debris...
:Hu Tao: What if it upsets ? What if feels like it's all fault? I couldn't bear to see like that... You know what I mean, right, Zhongli?
:Zhongli: I fear that I do...
:Zhongli: Your concern is that the sight of this coin will only make it more difficult to let go of your worldly attachments.
:Hu Tao: Haha, it's like you're a mind-reader... You know as well as I do that being too attached is a fatal flaw for a funeral director. It's a vice that's all too easy to fall prey to...
:Hu Tao: But this time, I must not repeat my dad's mistake. That is what's most important here.
:Hu Tao: ...Alright, since we're this far in, I might as well just tell you the rest too. If I don't return tonight, you'll no longer be a consultant... Because you'll be the 78th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
:Zhongli: ...Your work is far from done, Director. I fear there is no one who could hope to take your place.
:Hu Tao: "Live in life, and die in death." If my time has come, then so be it. There's no sense resisting the inevitable.
:Zhongli: Nevertheless, I would urge caution. Focus on the task at hand, not what transpired in the past. And do not forget the rest of that saying: "Follow your heart, and do what you can."
:Hu Tao: I understand... Alright, it's almost time. I should get going.
:;(Hu Tao leaves while talking aloud)
:Hu Tao: It's a really beautiful day today... I should write a poem to capture this moment.
:Hu Tao: A butterfly dances in a crimson bouquet, for fear of the ominous rainfall that may soon show its face.
:Hu Tao: With one last, lingering glance at that carmine hue, she lies among the petals in the garden of eternal rest, as she sets the floral incense ablaze.
:;(The camera pans back to Zhongli)
:Zhongli: ...The lone butterfly left, but not without a trace. A fragrance remained, her butterfly's embrace.
:;(Obtain )
----
;(At Yujing Terrace)
: Paimon: Ningguang, Lan Yan, we're back! So, what did you want to discuss?
:Ningguang: I'll let Miss Lan explain.
: Lan Yan: Remember how I wrote a letter back home to ask about the array? Well, I got a reply.
: Paimon: Oh! Paimon remembers. So was Hu Tao right? No one has to be sacrificed, right?
: Lan Yan: ...Unfortunately, my cousin could not give me a definitive answer on this, despite scouring the family library.
: Lan Yan: But, given that the array gets its power from the Ley Lines, she suspects that the obfuscation requirement may be a rule laid down by the mountains and the land.
: What does that mean?
:Ningguang: Basically... it looks likely that the obfuscation of one person is mandatory after all, because we can't violate the laws of the Ley Lines. Furthermore, the Gate of Death will be used to suppress the fetor this time... which is Director Hu's gate.
: Paimon: So, you're saying, Hu Tao has to die!?
: Lan Yan: If my cousin's right, and as I said, she can only speculate... But she also provided me with a method that might just be able to save Director Hu's life.
: Lan Yan: See this? It's a rattan figure I made for the director. One of many. In case you've forgotten, they work by absorbing evil energy in their owner's place, so they won't come to harm.
: Lan Yan: With the technique my cousin explained, I managed to connect several of these rattan figures to the gate array. That way, the fetor blast will be shared evenly by everyone in the array.
:Ningguang: Everyone has agreed to the plan. Keqing, Ganyu, the Conqueror of Demons, Qiqi, Beidou, Yelan, Lan Yan, and I will each hold a rattan figure.
:Ningguang: Today's Liyue draws its strength from unity. That is how we quelled an ancient god's wrath without the help of Rex Lapis, and that is why we cannot let the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor shoulder the present crisis alone.
:Ningguang: Nevertheless, the danger posed by the fetor is not to be underestimated. The consequences could be grave, even with everyone sharing the blast.
:Ningguang: We would like to request your assistance, but the choice is entirely yours. If you have any reservations, we will by no means—
: Count me in.
: Lan Yan: What did I tell you? I knew would help us!
:Ningguang: Hehe, I never doubted that for a second.
: Lan Yan: Then, please take this rattan figure. I'll link you up to the array right now.
: Lan Yan: Huh? What's going on? This doesn't make any sense...
: What's wrong?
: Lan Yan: I... I don't think I made a mistake, but it seems like... I can't connect to the array.
:Ningguang: How can this be? What's the problem?
: Lan Yan: This should work in the exact same way as the gate array — by using the power of the Ley Lines. But the Ley Lines aren't responding to , almost as if they believe doesn't exist...
: Paimon: Oh! So could... that be the reason?
: It's true that the Ley Lines do not contain any information about me.
:Ningguang: Is that so? Then perhaps this is simply the will of fate...
: Lan Yan: I've never heard of anything like that before!
: Can we find some other way?
: Lan Yan: I don't know, this is the first time I've run into a situation like this... I would write to my cousin, but I think we're out of time...
:Ningguang: Yes... The lantern display will begin soon.
:Ningguang: I know this is frustrating, but given the situation, we have no choice but to release from this duty.
:Ningguang: We must hope that we will be able to share the burden on Director Hu's shoulders... and we must have faith that she will return triumphant.
:
:
:;(The Traveler sits silently in front of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with the Hu Tao rattan figure next to them while holding Hu Tao's plum branch)
:;(Obtain )
;(After the cutscene)
: Paimon: It's already dark out... Should we go and head to the stage?
;(Approach the second marker)
:Yanfei: Hurry! The Lantern Rite celebrations are about to begin! You don't want to miss Sir Yun's opening show!
:Yaoyao: Slow down, Yanfei! Otherwise, you're going to fall!
: Xiangling: There are so many people... I hope everything goes smoothly on Hu Tao's end, so she can get back here and celebrate with us soon.
:Yun Jin: Xinyan, over here! Hu Tao asked me to give you this fortune coin.
:Xinyan: Wow, she got this for me? So... where did she go?
:;(The camera zooms in on the Mingxiao Lantern)
: Lan Yan: Lady Tianquan, the Gate of Initiation is now ready. We are good to go.
:Ningguang: Thank you. It won't be long now...
:Ningguang: Director Hu... Good luck to us both.
:;(The camera pans back to the Traveler)
:Zhongli: , Paimon. Happy Lantern Rite.
: Paimon: Oh, Zhongli! How did we not think of asking Zhongli earlier...?
:Zhongli: Regarding the Ley Lines, you mean?
: Paimon: Yeah...? How did you know that, though?
:Zhongli: Hehe, in fact, I have been waiting here for some time now.
: Zhongli, can you connect me to the Ley Lines?
:Zhongli: Since the issue lies with the Traveler's unique constitution, I am afraid that I will be of no help there.
: Paimon: Drat, Paimon totally thought you'd have the answer... Then, why were you waiting for us?
:Zhongli: The Director asked me to return this Rex coin to .
: Why?
:Zhongli: It's a gesture of goodwill from the Director. She wishes your safe passage in your future travels.
: Paimon: Huh!? But... what about her?
:Zhongli: I suppose that will be up to her.
: Paimon: That's not good enough! Surely there's gotta be something we can do?
:Zhongli: As it happens, there is one thing that comes to mind. Namely... If the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method operates according to the principles of the Ley Lines, the same must also be true of the obfuscation process.
:Zhongli: But since you cannot connect to the Ley Lines in the first place... Do you see what that implies?
: Paimon: Huh?
: If I can't connect to the Ley Lines... Hmm, what does that imply?
:Zhongli: The Lantern Rite is about to begin.
:Ningguang: My dear compatriots...
: Little Meng: Look, it's Lady Ningguang!
: Little Fei: Wow, I didn't know she was hosting it herself this year!
: Little Lulu: It must be 'cause of the ceremony, right? The Ministry of Civil Affairs sent out a notice saying that this year, they're doing a whole ceremony when they light up the Mingxiao Lantern.
:Ningguang: ...As we stand beneath this lantern-lit night sky, I would like to pay tribute to the ways of our forebears. We pray for the cleansing fire that exorcises evil... and for peace to prevail in our nation.
:Ningguang: Let the ceremony begin!
;(A cinematic plays)
:;(Yun Jin's opera performance begins, with Xinyan, Xiangling, Chiori, Cyno, Tighnari, and others watching)
::Yun Jin: Red shall three bloodlines in the Bishui flow
::Yun Jin: The bones of eight heroes don frost and snow
:;(Beidou watches as Xu Liushi sets the Tao Dou lantern alight at the Gate of Fright)
::Yun Jin: Moon-graced by skiff my hook-blade I claim
:;(Yelan carries out the ceremony with Shanghua, Wenyuan, and Wupei at the Gate of Injury)
::Yun Jin: As a pillar in the waters let it remain
:;(Ganyu and Shenhe carry out the ceremony at the Gate of Concealment as Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer look on)
::Yun Jin: The clashing blades like seafoam pass
::Yun Jin: Each one their end fate will decide
::Yun Jin: But you, Tao Dou, shall be cast down
:;(Keqing, Xingqiu, Chongyun carry out the ceremony at the Gate of Life)
::Yun Jin: Your body and soul shall not abide
::Yun Jin: Cavalry gold and iron march
:;(Baizhu and Qiqi carry out the ceremony at the Gate of Repose)
::Yun Jin: Hearts stone-set on heaven's arch
::Yun Jin: Down starward street their mortal stride
::Yun Jin: And onward into myth they ride
::Yun Jin: For death stains not the virtues pure
::Yun Jin: And eastward flow vicissitudes sure
:;(Xiao ignites the Tao Dou lantern at the Gate of Terrain)
::Yun Jin: Names shall fade, hope's flame endures
:;(Hu Tao begins her part at the Gate of Death)
::Hu Tao: Secret of the flame, blessing of Homa...
::Hu Tao: Redeem us, deliver us from evil
::Hu Tao: Hyah!
:;(Hu Tao's rattan figure falls due to excess fetor, and Hu Tao herself falls to the ground as she begins to absorb fetor)
::Lan Yan: The fire's almost out...
::Lan Yan: Did we fail?
::Ningguang: I have faith in the director
::Hu Tao: So
::Hu Tao: My time has come
:;(Hu Tao stands up determinedly, plants the Staff of Homa upright in the ground and approaches the altar.)
::Hu Tao: There is no avoiding death
::Hu Tao: Nor predicting its time
::Hu Tao: The duty of Wangsheng
::Hu Tao: I now fulfill
::Audience Member: Look!
:;(A pillar of fire is triggered from the Gate of Death, causing pillars of fire to emerge from the Mingxiao lantern and the other Gates through the Ley Lines. Butterflies appear from the flowers of the Mingxiao lantern, which heal those affected by the accelerated aging.)
:;(Hu Tao is seen sitting on the ground in front of the altar, before she passes out)
::Hu Tao: Next Lantern Rite...
::Hu Tao: If you see a butterfly
::Hu Tao: That's me coming back to see you all
:;(Cinematic ends)
: Paimon: D—Did it work?
:Ningguang: I believe it was a success, but...
: Paimon: What's wrong? You two look like you've seen a ghost...
:;(The camera shows one of the connected rattan figures on the ground, which like the one Hu Tao was using, has its 'eyes' closed and its colors faded to a death-like pallor.)
: Lan Yan: Director Hu's rattan figure has... broken. I can't sense her presence anymore...
: Paimon: What!? How is that possible... You mean, Hu Tao's... she's... Aah, what are we gonna do!?
:;(Paimon turns to the Traveler behind her... only to find no one there.)
: Paimon: Hmm? Where'd go?
:Zhongli: It would seem that had something of a breakthrough. So, I sent way.
: Paimon: A breakthrough? About what?
----
;(In the domain)
:: (If I can't connect to the Ley Lines, I can't be obfuscated by them either.)
:: (That means I can take Hu Tao's place in the array and no one has to get sacrificed. As long as I can find her, that is...)
;(Follow the Hu Tao rattan figure to the giant tree)
:: (She's not here... But these are her things...)
: (Check the Staff of Homa)
::Staff of Homa: (The flaming staff lies quietly on the ground, as if aware that its owner has left the world.)
::;(Dialogue returns to option selection)
: (Check the burnt Homa Altar)
::Homa Altar: (The fire in the altar has almost gone out. But some stray sparks flicker and frolic within the ashes... in true Hu Tao fashion.)
::;(Dialogue returns to option selection)
: (Check the broken rattan figure)
::Rattan Figure: (Do you remember who the rattan figure was made for? I'm sure you do.)
::;(Dialogue returns to option selection)
: ()
::Tree Shaped Like "Tao Dou": (That crooked tree at the center of the border looks just like this year's Mingxiao lantern. There are some cracks in the middle of the trunk... they seem to lead to somewhere far away.)
:: (Examine the fissures)
::Tree Shaped Like "Tao Dou": (Something just flew out of your backpack...)
::;(Hu Tao's plum branch emerges and appears to enter the tree. The Traveler walks up to the trunk, apparently having an idea of what to do.)
----
;(The camera changes to Hu Tao's perspective within the border.)
;(Approach the water)
:Distant Voice: Let me rephrase. Hu Tao, — promise me you'll come and see me perform some day soon, okay?
;(Approach the stone lamp near the center of the water)
: Distant Voice: Promise you won't stand us up this time?
: Distant Voice: Okay, I can get behind that... If you're a no-show, I'm sending to track you down and drag you back to the dinner table kicking and screaming!
;(Approach the bridge)
:Distant Voice: Nevertheless, I would urge caution. Focus on the task at hand, not what transpired in the past. And do not forget the rest of that saying: "Follow your heart, and do what you can."
;(Approach the door in the large scroll)
:;(Hu Tao's eyes brim with tears as she sees who is there waiting for her...)
:Hu Tao: Grandpa... and Dad. Are you here to take me to the other side?
:Hu Tao: How'd I do as director, huh? Did I do the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor proud?
: Father: Absolutely. You did a million times better than me.
: Grandfather: Our little girl is the best.
:Hu Tao: Good. Then... I can join you with no regrets...
: Father: We're proud of you, little lady. But we only came to see you because we've missed you.
:Hu Tao: I've missed you, too... But are you saying... you're not here to bring me into the afterlife?
: Grandfather: Live in life, and die in death.... My child, your time has not yet come.
: Father: Yes... The day of reunion will come in good time. There is no need to rush.
: Grandfather: Look. Someone's here to take you home.
;(A cinematic plays)
:;(Hu Tao's plum branch floats down from the sky and lands in her open hand, as her father and grandfather fade away, like ephemeral sand in the wind.)
:;(As Hu Tao looks back down at her plum branch, she blinks — and the Traveler's hand is suddenly clasping hers over the branch, having reached through a portal into the border itself to grab Hu Tao's hand.)
::Hu Tao: Traveler!? You're...
::: Don't worry. I've got this
::: Come on. Everyone's waiting for you
::Hu Tao: ...Mm!
:;(Straining, the Traveler pulls Hu Tao through the portal, absorbing the fetor damage from her in the process.)
:;(On the other side, the visible fetor fades away from the Traveler as they see the giant tree, now revitalized and free of fetor)
:;(Cinematic ends)
----
:
: Paimon: You're finally awake! How do you feel? Does anything hurt?
: What happened...?
: Paimon: You've been asleep for two whole days! If Baizhu hadn't insisted that you were just out from exhaustion, Paimon would've been worried sick!
: Paimon: Still, it is a relief to see you finally wake up again. Guess Baizhu knew what he was talking about.
: When did I get here?
: Paimon: The night of Lantern Rite, of course! Hu Tao carried you here on her back. Paimon was so worried to see you unconscious... Thankfully, Zhongli was there too, and he said you'd be fine.
: Paimon: That being said... Why did you sneak off without saying a word? Were you trying to beat Hu Tao's record for running away and getting stranded in the border?
: It was an emergency.
: Paimon: Yeah, yeah, Paimon knows. Hu Tao told us the whole story. Sounds like you did something pretty amazing!
: Paimon: You've had a lot of visitors over the last couple of days. Zhongli, Ningguang, Lan Yan... and pretty much everyone else you could think of!
: Are they still here?
: Paimon: Most of them have probably left by now, but Hu Tao's still waiting out in the main room. She's been there the whole time.
: Paimon: Anyway, you stay in bed and get some rest! Paimon will go get Baizhu to take a look at you.
;(Leave the back room)
:;(It's early morning. The Traveler walks up to the nearby railing and looks out over Liyue Harbor, when a lady's hands cover their eyes from behind.)
:
:???: One more time, guess whooo~?
: I recognize those dulcet tones anywhere, Zhongli.
::Hu Tao: Good! If you have the energy to joke around, it means you're making a good recovery!
: Happy Lantern Rite, Director Hu.
::Hu Tao: Good! You still recognize me. So the fetor didn't fry your brain.
:Hu Tao: I'm so glad! Looks like I can stop worrying now... Welcome back, my hero!
: You are the real hero.
:Hu Tao: Hahaha, don't be silly. It's just the two of us here, you really want to talk in glib pleasantries? 'Cause I can out-glib you any day of the week if that's how you wanna do this.
: Alright, um... So, how are you holding up?
:Hu Tao: I'm doing great, thanks to a certain someone! Baizhu gave me a checkup too.
:Hu Tao: You look remarkably well too, considering what you went through. But are you sure you're well enough to leave yet? You'll only make things worse if you power through before you've fully healed.
: I'll be fine.
:Hu Tao: Well, I sure hope so... You know, I was really surprised you came to rescue me. You took such a huge risk... When did you become so reckless?
:;(She 'chops' the Traveler's forehead with her hand, who responds with a sheepish smile.)
: I learned from the best, Director Hu...
:Hu Tao: Hmph... Hey, look! Liyue Harbor looks so pretty from this angle... Let's see, what's everyone doing at this hour?
:Hu Tao: Hmm... Those two kids look like they're in a hurry... I bet they're racing each other to the fortune coins.
:Hu Tao: And that lady over there — her cheeks are so red, you'd think she's caught the sun... Aha, yes! She must be waiting for her lover so they can go set off some fireworks together!
:Hu Tao: Such a marvelous view. Really puts me in a poetic mood! Hee-hee, okay, I got something:
:Hu Tao: As fresh festivities fill the streets, while lanterns light the sky like countless times before...
:Hu Tao: I dwell not on the twists and turns of bygone years, but remember this: that with each new day, I receive the gift of life once more.
:;(Smiling, Hu Tao looks back over her shoulder at her friend.)
:Hu Tao: Thank you, . Happy Lantern Rite.
==Trivia==
* During the conversation between Hu Tao and Zhongli on the bridge, she makes explicit mention of the various stages of her Constellation up until her constellation five, the final being mentioned by Zhongli.
*: 
** In the Chinese version, Hu Tao reads aloud the first five levels of her Constellation verbatim, and Zhongli recites the final one.
==Gallery==
Cutscene Animation- "Crimson Bouquet" - Genshin Impact
Cutscene Animation- "Butterfly's Embrace" - Genshin Impact
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
ru:Искусство Цимэнь и Усмиритель бед успокаивают духов и восстанавливают жизнь
vi:Kỳ Môn Thuật Tiêu Trừ Tai Ương Họa, Phép Hộ Ma Tịnh Thế Định U Minh