Chapter 153: A Day in Liyue Harbor

The journey from Mount Meru to Mondstadt is long; even taking the faster sea route, one must stop for a day at Liyue Harbor in Liyue to replenish the ship's fresh water and supplies before setting sail again, continuing until reaching Mondstadt's Jingfu Port.

The ship Luo De boarded is large.

It is an ocean-going ship under Duoli's fleet.

It carries both passengers and cargo.

It is a legally registered mixed passenger‑cargo ship; cargo takes up only a small portion, as it merely brings along some goods to be sold in Liyue and Mondstadt on the way.

There are not a few passengers aboard.

Including Luo De, the ship has nearly two hundred people, most of them from Mount Meru, a minority from Liyue, and a few merchants from other countries.

But this ship is even larger.

With over two hundred passengers, not even half of the cabins are filled.

After setting sail.

During leisure time.

Besides enjoying the sea scenery, Luo De either sits at the bow reading a book or listens to the people around him chatting and boasting, occasionally interjecting a few remarks.

From these passengers' mouths,

Luo De once again personally felt the joy of the Mount Meru people over the Dendro Archon's return.

Even though the returning deity is the Little Auspicious Grass King, not the Great Merciful Tree King most beloved in people's hearts.

But this does not prevent them from offering their respect and joy to the deity.

How much of this joy will turn into faith in Nadixa is hard to say.

The Liyue people enjoying the Geo Archon's blessings around them did not take the chance to sneer; they sincerely congratulated these delighted Mount Meru folk.

Thus.

In such a lively atmosphere, Duoli's ship underwent five days of sailing and arrived on the morning of the sixth day at the largest port on the Tiwatedalu continent, Liyue Harbor.

This is also the nation on the Tiwatedalu continent whose customs and manners most resemble Luo De's previous life.

Although it merely resembles antiquity more closely, upon seeing Liyue Harbor's antique‑style buildings and outlines, Luo De could not restrain his curiosity and excitement, leaning on the railing to gaze for a long time.

After docking.

The captain announced via the loudspeaker that the ship would need to stay in Liyue Harbor for a day, during which passengers may move freely as long as they return before nightfall.

Following the crowd, Luo De disembarked.

The little device Nadixa gave him also floated down with him, attracting many eyes.

From a distance it was fine.

When he truly set foot on Liyue's soil and gazed at the intensely archaic‑style buildings before him, Luo De couldn't help feeling a bit dazed.

It's too similar.

It made him inexplicably feel as if tears were welling up.

After taking several deep breaths to steady his emotions, Luo De continued onward into Liyue Harbor.

There were many people on the wharf.

There were passengers just disembarked, passengers hurrying to board, merchants haggling, workers moving cargo, and fishmongers shouting loudly.

Of course.

There were also plenty of dishonest folk.

Before Luo De had even stepped out of the wharf's area, he caught a gang trying to pick his pocket.

That fellow was bold.

Although they clearly saw the Vision hanging at Luo De's waist, upon seeing the exquisitely crafted Void Terminal that could fly on its own, they could not suppress their greed and, taking advantage of the crowd, furtively reached out toward him.

Luo De was not polite.

He also did not report it to the Thousand Rock Army patrolling the wharf.

He simply broke the thief's hands used for stealing, then openly squeezed through the crowd and left.

Prosperous Liyue is nothing like the desert where one cannot get enough to eat.

Here.

No one will starve to death.

So Luo De looks down on those who are fully limbed yet insist on stealing chickens and dogs.

The thief's anguished cry immediately caused quite a commotion on the wharf.

The nearby Thousand Rock Army on patrol quickly rushed over.

But when they arrived,

Luo De had already vanished without a trace.

With his skill, even if the Thousand Rock Army knew someone was acting violently on the wharf, they could not possibly find his trace.

However, the Thousand Rock Army could not determine who exactly had broken the thieves' wrists.

But that does not mean nobody could find him.

As Luo De was about to leave the wharf, a girl who seemed to appear out of nowhere suddenly stepped in front of him.

"Foreigner, please wait a moment."

The girl's tone was not harsh; she merely blocked Luo De's path without any aggressive action.

"What's up?"

Luo De carefully examined the girl blocking his way.

He saw she wore a construction worker's outfit, with fresh and old dust stains; it was clear she had just finished plastering at a worksite, her appearance virtually identical to Ka Wei's when they were in A Ru Cun, her hair bound with a white towel that had now turned gray‑and‑white.

She was not wearing a Vision.

But one could tell at a glance that she had taken action, and she could swiftly push through the bustling crowd to catch up to him.

Even without a Vision, he is at least a martial arts master.

Luo De's eyes involuntarily narrowed a bit.

The girl's face was smeared with a lot of dirt, making her delicate features look like a flower cat's face.

I don't know why.

She always gave Luo De a familiar feeling, yet he couldn't say where he had seen her before.

At this moment.

Luo De's carried void terminal gave feedback: 'She is wearing a disguise, not her true face.'

This sound echoed in Luo De's mind, and the girl could not hear it.

Disguised face.

Could it be Yelan?

Speaking of someone with superb martial skills and adept at disguise.

Luo De immediately thought of that famous intelligence chief of Liyue.

But I probably didn't do anything wrong, right?

I just gave a lesson to a thieving pickpocket.

According to the severity, I shouldn't have been targeted by someone of this stature.

But what this girl said next also made him dismiss that idea.

You should have handed them over to the Thousand Rock Army just now.

This sentence was more like a reminder than a stern warning or a probe, and Luo De immediately knew this person was definitely not Yelan.

But he still couldn't guess who this girl was.

He could only infer from her words that she must be some Liyue official on a secret inspection.

He really couldn't think of who it could be.

Luo De simply stopped thinking and replied, 'Next time for sure.'

Hmm.

The girl didn't say anything else, nodded, and said: 'Liyue also has laws; don't always think of solving problems with your own violence. If you encounter this again, just call the Thousand Rock Army for help or directly hand the person over to them.'

Okay.

After Luo De responded again, the girl turned and left.

Watching her go.

It was the construction site at the South Dock.

Truly, hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

Gazing at that figure mingling with the workers, chatting and laughing, carrying bricks and moving stones without missing a beat, Luo De let out a sigh.

Perhaps it was because his earlier method of disciplining people was too harsh.

On his subsequent journey, Luo De didn't encounter any pickpockets daring to reach out to him, nor any retaliation from thief gangs.

This instead allowed him to peacefully enjoy the Liyue street scenery and, along the way, purchase some interesting little trinkets full of Liyue's characteristics.

Leaving the dock.

The nearest place is Eat Tiger Rock.

Here is several times livelier than the dock.

Along the street, shops are packed tightly together—there are restaurants, toy shops, jade stores, silk stores, cosmetic shops, and even a branch of the Adventurers' Guild.

Luo De didn't walk any farther.

He only had one day to stay in Liyue, not enough time to tour the entirety of Liyue Harbor.

It would be better to just spend this day strolling around the extraordinarily lively Eat Tiger Rock.

Compared to that tiny place in the game.

The real Eat Tiger Rock is a commercial zone covering a huge area.

Compared to the Scarlet Cloud Slope, which has more luxury boutiques.

This place is touted as the most people-friendly spot in Liyue.

Not only are the goods cheaper, but food and drink are also much more affordable.

This affordability is only relative to the prices of Scarlet Cloud Slope.

In Liyue.

Even Eat Tiger Rock, this recognized people-friendly place.

Even the spending here cannot compare to that of Wonderful.

Just an analogy.

It's probably just like the price difference between Shanghainese coins and Northeastern coins in his previous life.

Clearly, the same amount of Mora is spent.

But the price and usage are worlds apart.

Fortunately

Before leaving Wonderful, Luo De finally had his first dividend from Dolly.

Plus the activity funds that Nadixa specially allocated for him.

This allowed him to finally escape the miserable state of having to mooch for meals in the desert.

During the stroll.

Luo De went to the jade stall, but after looking around, he bought nothing.

There are too many fakes; you have to rely solely on your eyesight.

Although there is a void terminal that can analyze components, it's not to the point of being deceived when buying things.

But Luo De didn't really like jade, and nobody he knew liked it either, so he just took a quick look and left.

Luo De also found that tea shop at Three Bowl Not Pass Harbor, where he listened to a segment of storytelling.

The storytelling of the storyteller called Tian Tiezui was still quite interesting.

It was the first time I'd heard it.

Luo De listened with great relish.

Actually, this place's wine‑fermented rice balls are really awful.

Others mix water into their liquor, but they mix liquor into their water.

And the amount is ridiculously small.

It looks like a big sea‑bowl serving, but it's all bland soup, with only about eight or nine dumplings total.

Let alone filling your stomach.

Even drinking enough water is a struggle.

When leaving.

Luo De glanced back at the tea stall a few times, looking slightly disappointed.

What a pity.

The imagined 'chance encounter' did not happen.

I suppose the Geo Archon is still busy with state affairs and has no time to come here for leisure as he used to.

Leaving Three Bowl Not Pass Harbor.

Luo De went to the bookstore to browse some books, wandered around a jewelry shop, and also visited a cosmetics shop here.

Dixiya really likes these cosmetic powders.

When in Sumeru,

she would spend most of her income on buying cosmetics.

After visiting several shops in a row, Luo De followed the scent to a shop specializing in cosmetics.

This time he didn't need Nadixa's help to recommend anything.

Already knowing Dixiya's preferences, Luo De didn't spend much time picking out a few cosmetics popular in Liyue; the checkout price wasn't as high as he imagined, and the boss even gave him a small discount, hoping to earn a good reputation in front of foreigners.

After buying the cosmetics, the time was already approaching noon.

Luo De casually asked a passerby, then headed straight for the restaurant called Wanmin Hall.

He arrived in Liyue.

Not coming to the famous Wanmin Hall to have a bite always feels like something is missing.

The place is still easy to find.

As that passerby who gave directions just said, this street's most bustling storefront is exactly that one.

Luo De easily found this eatery, whose storefront isn't big but is already full to capacity.

Just as he stepped inside,

he could see a girl with deep‑blue hair bustling in and out of the kitchen, running back and forth with plates to serve dishes.

She is Xiangling.

The head chef of Wanmin Hall, a petite cook famous for her specialty dishes and superb culinary skills.

That's another regrettable thing.

Judging by how busy she is, she probably isn't on duty today.

And Xiangling appears to be casually carrying plates and serving dishes.

Anyone seeing her can't help but worry she might accidentally drop the plates.

Fortunately,

Xiangling's handiwork is very steady; whether she's holding a single plate or using a large platter to deliver a dozen dishes at once, there's no sign of instability.

Seeing a new customer enter,

Xiangling, who had just finished serving dishes, immediately went forward to greet them.

It was mealtime, and every table in the shop had customers.

Xiangling turned her head, quickly spotted a table with only one diner, and asked, 'Would you mind sharing a table? The shop really has no space.'

"Oh, sure."

That person had a mouth full of food, speaking somewhat indistinctly.

Then she realized,

that the person coming to share her table was still an acquaintance.

"Uh"

After sitting down, looking at the girl before him who had one hand grabbing a pancake and the other holding chopsticks, her face somewhat grimy, Luo De twitched the corner of his mouth and said, 'Hey, nice to see you again.'

What a coincidence.

But it's just that, having no place to eat and sharing a table, he ended up bumping into that mysterious girl who had blocked his way this morning again.

"So you two know each other."

Xiangling on the side handed over the menu, then smiled and recommended: 'What would you like to order? Today we have fresh sea bass delivered this morning, and forest pork from Mondstadt's clear springs. If you're dining alone, you can also get a set meal—either one meat and two vegetables, or two meats and one vegetable. The dishes are respectively'

Before she could finish listing the dish names, Luo De pointed to the specialty section of the menu and said, 'One serving of boiled fish, one serving of stir‑fried forest pork, one serving of salt‑and‑pepper tofu, and one serving of braised glass lily.'

Xiangling noted each one, then asked, 'Do you usually like spicy food? You don't seem to be from Liyue, right? We use a special variety of Absolute Cloud Chili that's spicier than chilies elsewhere. If you don't often eat spicy, just let me know and I'll have my father reduce the heat for you, or you can have another cup of tea brewed from Rainbow Robe Flowers to counteract the spice and prevent diarrhea.'

"No problem, I can handle spicy."

Luo De laughed: "Another cup of the rain‑skirt flower tea you mentioned, please. Tomorrow I still have to take a boat; if I get diarrhea it'll be troublesome."

Sure, please wait a moment, customer.

Remembering Luo De's order, Xiangling rushed to the kitchen like a gust of wind.

After she left.

Luo De once again began to carefully examine the girl before him.

He probably guessed who she was.

Although the girl's appearance was still messy, this time she took off the towel on her head, revealing a head of purple hair.

A Liyue high-ranking official who disguises their identity to work at the dock.

Still appearing as a purple-haired girl.

It could only be that person.

Keqing.

The Jade Balance Star of the Liyue the Liyue the Liyue Qixing.

No wonder someone of her stature would disguise themselves.

Otherwise, if she revealed her true appearance and happened to be seen by someone who knew her, she would lose the purpose of her covert investigation.

No wonder Luo De had felt a sense of familiarity all along.

Once confirmed that she was Keqing, it wasn't strange.

"Thank you for this morning."

Luo De said with a smile.

Keqing's reminder this morning was out of good intentions.

Obviously, seeing that Luo De acted without restraint, they were worried he wouldn't rein in his temper in the city and might cause trouble.

"Oh, it's fine."

"You must pay attention to Liyue's laws; that's more important than anything."

After saying that, Keqing quickly finished the fried noodles and the bun in her hand, grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, then took the towel from the chair and tied it back on her head.

"I'm going to work now, farewell."

Keqing, back in her worker guise, stood up and said to Luo De: "Don't forget what I told you this morning; this isn't Sumeru, so always first seek out the Thousand Rock Army—it's never wrong."

Having said that.

She nodded at Luo De, then went to settle her bill, and strode out of the Ten Thousand People Hall toward the dock.

Keqing had just left.

Xiangling then brought the dishes over.

"Hey? Customer, your friend left."

Seeing only Luo De remained, Xiangling curiously asked:

"She still had things to do, so she left first."

After a brief reply, Luo De grabbed his chopsticks and started eating heartily.

These dishes were completely different from Sumeru's, closer to the cuisine of his former life, letting him, who hadn't eaten such food in a long time, eat to his heart's content.

After finishing all the dishes,

Luo De, still not satisfied, ordered two more dishes to fully indulge his appetite.

It was just when settling the bill that he inevitably felt a pang of pain.

This was the first time he realized just how high prices were in Liyue.

Six dishes plus a pot of tea cost him over seven thousand Mora.

This was still a commoner's eatery in Liyue.

Luo De really couldn't imagine what price a high-end eatery here would have.

"Fortunately."

"At least I satisfied my craving."

After leaving, Luo De rubbed his stomach and let out a heavy sigh.

Fortunately, his purse is now full.

Otherwise, he'd have to wash dishes at the Ten Thousand People Hall to pay off his debt.

Recalling how, back in the desert, a few thousand Mora were enough for half a month's expenses, but in Liyue even a single meal's cost wasn't enough, he shook his head in further helplessness.

In the afternoon.

Luo De then spent a while strolling around Tiger Rock, sampling some local snacks, watching a Liyue opera, and stayed until evening before promptly returning to the ship.

The night passed without incident.

The next day.

Many more passengers came aboard the ship.

The previously sparsely filled cabins were almost completely filled all at once.

Considering that there were still many passengers to disembark in Liyue, one can imagine how many new people were added for the latter half of the journey.

Bored, Luo De lay on the railing watching people board when he suddenly caught a familiar scent.

"Huh?"

Following the scent, Luo De saw cargo being loaded onto the other side.

He blinked, his brows furrowing.

"A taste of the Abyss?"

"How could there be such a thing in this cargo?"

(End of chapter)