"That Scaramouche fellow went to Sumeru. It seems he's not there for a vacation, and he's not aligned with the Doctor either. I really can't figure out what he's thinking..."
Tartaglia shook his head. Scaramouche's thoughts were too erratic; sometimes he was perfectly normal, and other times he would become incredibly insane. No one could predict what he might do.
"Scaramouche went to Sumeru?"
Feng Yi frowned. Didn't he have plans with Scaramouche to cause trouble in Fontaine? Why had he gone to Sumeru instead? That wasn't how you stood someone up!
His knowledge of the Genshin Impact storyline was still stuck in the Inazuma phase. He had no idea what was happening in Sumeru, nor what Scaramouche's purpose there might be. Could he be trying to snatch the Gnosis of the Dendro Archon? But the Doctor had accepted the Tsaritsa's mission to go to Sumeru, so logically, he would be there to scheme for the Gnosis. Wasn't Scaramouche just butting in unnecessarily?
He couldn't figure it out, so Feng Yi decided to stop thinking about it. It would be a while before he went to Sumeru, and he could worry about it then.
"Yes, as for the Harbinger 'Colombina,' she is indeed as you said, her strength is unfathomable. At least, I am not her match yet..."
Tartaglia's expression turned grave as he thought of 'Colombina's' divine movement techniques. There was no shame in admitting it; he was indeed inferior to her. However, as long as he continued to improve, he would eventually be able to defeat her.
"You've fought her, haven't you?"
Feng Yi was startled. Among the Fatui Harbingers, she was the one he found most inscrutable. She seemed to have some connection with the mysterious Seelie. If they truly fought, even with six arms, Tartaglia wouldn't necessarily be her opponent, let alone now that he only had two. It would be more appropriate to compare with Tartaglia's master, Scaramouche, the mysterious swordsman who walked the Abyss. Based on Tartaglia's description of Scaramouche, combined with Dainsleif's fragmented words, Feng Yi could easily surmise that this mysterious swordsman possessed combat power comparable to the gods.
"Thanks, Tartaglia. We'll leave 'Colombina' aside for now. Please keep an eye on Scaramouche for me. I'll treat you to drinks afterward..."
Feng Yi smiled at Tartaglia. After so much time, he had come to regard Tartaglia as a friend.
"No problem, it's a small matter. Leave it to me."
"Oh, and Tartaglia, no matter what you do, it's best to know when to stop. Don't get carried away, and always leave yourself an escape route..."
As he was leaving, Feng Yi couldn't help but remind him, hoping Tartaglia would take his words to heart and not be used as a pawn by 'The Damsel' without realizing it. Of course, this matter involved the schemes of Zhongli, Ningguang, and others, so he couldn't be too explicit. It would depend on Tartaglia's own understanding.
"Don't worry, I always know my limits."
Tartaglia smiled slightly, thanking Feng Yi for the reminder.
Feng Yi: Hey, hey, hey, aren't you tempting fate? I suddenly have a bad feeling...
Outside the Xinyue Kiosk, Feng Yi and Tartaglia parted ways. Feng Yi's unease grew stronger, hoping that Tartaglia would be alright.
On his way to the Jade Chamber, Feng Yi happened to encounter Zhongli and Lumine, who had just finished hiring people.
"Where are you heading next?"
"To Bubu Pharmacy. Mr. Zhongli said we need to go there to prepare the 'Jade-Ensuring Incense' for the 'Rite of Descension'." Paimon answered Feng Yi's question.
"Let's go together. It's been a while since I've been there, and it's on my way to buy some herbs for strengthening my body (kidneys)..."
Feng Yi was very curious about the progress of Baizhu's research on the creations of the River God. Had he really developed something?
At the front hall of Bubu Pharmacy.
"Excuse me, is the boss here?"
Paimon, seeing that the medicine cabinet was empty, tentatively called out towards the inner room but received no response.
"That's strange, why is Bubu Pharmacy empty? It's such a large pharmacy, aren't they afraid of people stealing things?"
Paimon scratched her head. Was the boss too careless? Or did they not care about the shop at all?
"Ahem, what can I get for you? If it's a simple prescription, I can certainly help you dispense it."
Just then, a voice responded from behind the counter, but no one was visible. Paimon was so startled that she thought she had seen a ghost and quickly hid behind Lumine.
"It's Changsheng. Is Baizhu not here?"
Feng Yi's voice sounded familiar. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Changsheng, the white snake around Baizhu's neck.
"Hello, Mr. Feng Yi. It's been a long time. Thanks to you, my master is currently conducting some research, and I'm looking after the shop..."
Changsheng climbed onto the counter from a chair and coiled up, nodding slightly at Feng Yi.
"Ah... it's a snake?! A talking snake! How amazing..."
Paimon covered her mouth in astonishment, seeing a snake that could speak human language.
"Thank you for the compliment, little flying creature. You are also quite amazing..."
Changsheng wagged his tail. He had grown accustomed to the surprise of customers over time. After all, a talking snake was indeed rather rare.
"By the way, esteemed guests, do you have any needs here at my humble shop?"
"Do you have 'Jade-Ensuring Incense'?"
"Oh, 'Jade-Ensuring Incense'? Of course, of course."
Changsheng nodded. It wasn't arrogance; in all of Liyue's pharmacies, only the 'Jade-Ensuring Incense' from Bubu Pharmacy was of the highest quality.
"Then please help us dispense it."
Paimon really wanted to see how a snake dispensed medicine.
"I can't."
Changsheng said frankly. He wasn't skilled at such complex concoctions.
"You can't, and you agreed so readily?!"
Paimon crossed her arms and questioned him. Was he trying to bully honest people?
"Please don't rush, honored guest. While I cannot, my master can. Please wait a moment, and I will go fetch him."
After saying that, Changsheng zipped off the counter and slithered into the inner room.
A moment later, a green-haired man walked out, with Changsheng coiled around his neck. This person was none other than the owner of Bubu Pharmacy – Baizhu.
"Esteemed guests, Changsheng mentioned you require a batch of 'Jade-Ensuring Incense'? Three million Mora, top quality!"
Baizhu smiled at everyone. This was a large order!
"Three million?! Why don't you go rob the 'Gilded Inn' instead! Although the 'Gilded Inn' is currently requisitioned by the Liyue Qixing, it's probably harder to rob than usual."
Paimon was speechless. Three million Mora could buy so much delicious food; she wouldn't even dare to make such a wish in her dreams.
"Hmm... three million... At first glance, it doesn't seem like much, but in common rationality, it is indeed a bit difficult to handle."
Zhongli stroked his chin. Three million Mora could be reimbursed through 'Childe's' account, but it was indeed a bit excessive.
"If it's inconvenient, there is another way to pay. Mr. Feng Yi, I wonder if..."