Good Karma

Karma

An ancient tale long ago;

For many years the Adepti suffered the karma they had accumulated in war.
Each one bestowed chaos that each could handle, if any ever collided destruction would occur.

First the mind, then the body, then the soul. Slowly falling into corruption may one weep in sorrow and rive in agony.

Floods of torment and hurt shall plague the mind.

For this is the curse of the Adepti.

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Xiao POV:

The morning of Liyue was clear, the sun was out and it was near six.
I had decided to seek my conclusion for my fellow Adepti had grown to be distasteful and follow suit of lying.

We Adepti know of when the other tells lies. I will understand what has been happening behind the scenes. May mortal problems not interfere with my-

"Xiao!"
I had recognized the presence almost immediately.

"Hu Tao?"
I replied, turning towards the director of Wangsheng funeral parlor.
"Haiya, I tried to come quick but I failed to come sooner. Anyway, why did you need me to meet you here?"

Hu Tao looked around at our surroundings.

"Why Jueyun Karst?"
I had chosen this place to search for physical properties left behind.

"I am searching for anything out of the ordinary."
I explained, Hu Tao raised her eyebrow before growing as many call "a cheeky grin."

"Oh?"
She asked in a questionable tone.
"I have a feeling you suspect foul play as well, you may speak."
I stated firmly.

"It's too early for demanding."
She complained, she continued non the less.

"I have a worker of mine who's been around for quite a while, their attributes are suspicious. Haiya, so stressful indeed. Want to meet them?"
Hu Tao asked.

"That will be worth time, you may summon them."
I responded.

Hu Tao nodded, leading me towards Liyue harbor.

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"This is our man!"
The mortal who stood before us was brown-haired, he wore the same fashion as Hu Tao. However, I sensed no adeptal energy from this mortal.

"Who is this?"
I asked turning to Hu Tao.

"His name is Xiang!"
Hu Tao introduced the flustered mortal.

"I don't sense any energy coming from him."
Hu Tao rolled her eyes, "Okay, you can question Xiang!"
She concluded I'd be happy to question a foolish mortal.

I eyed the mortal, "Fine. Who of the Liyue Qixing is of an Adepti."

"Miss Ganyu."
The mortal answered quickly.
"I-I mean that's quite obvious."
The mortal began to stutter.

"Who was sealed away in Guyun stone forest?"

"Many gods but most recently Osial."
The mortal once again answered flawlessly.

I can't say I wasn't surprised by the quick and blunt answers.

"Hu Tao where did you-"
I turned towards Hu Tao who held an evil grin. "Ta-ta-ta~ You've been pranked!"

Hu Tao threw her arms in the air, "Xiang thank you so much for the help!"
She thanked the mortal.

"O-of course director!!"
The mortal quickly left Wangsheng funeral parlor. I glared at Hu Tao. "Mortal, this not in the least bit funny."

Hu Tao held her smile.
Knocking interrupted the tension.
"Director? I have a problem with the current documents-"
A tall man walks into the room.

His eyes were colored of goldstone, a small section of his hair was tied. The tips of his hair were dyed gold.

He looked refined, he seemed familiar.
"Ah, Zhongli! Come in, come in, this is my best friend Xiao!"
Hu Tao introduced me to the mortal.

This mortal had the stench of blood on his hands.
The mortal looked at me, making eye contact. An unfamiliar fear consumed me.

"Hello, I'm Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng funeral parlor. May I ask who you are?"
The mortal looked at me with pitied eyes.

"Watch how you act around Adepti mortal, I am not to be pitied."
I hissed. The mortal seemed unfazed, instead, looking towards Hu Tao.

"Director about the-"
Hu Tao waved her arms, creating a cross mark.

"Haiya, Zhongli read the room! No work for now, please help Xiao."
Hu Tao asked kindly.

"Xiao, it was fun pranking you. But Zhongli is a trusted worker of mine! He'll help you in the short hours I'm busy!"
Hu Tao explained, she pats my head harshly.

"Okay, I'm going to go settle a funeral! Bye Xiao, bye Zhongli!"
Hu Tao skipped out the door, creating a tune with her voice.

The mortal looked back at me, "Please refer to me as Zhongli, I will be assisting you while the director is gone."

"I didn't come here to get the help of any old mortal, I came for Hu Tao's help."
I stated firmly.

"Adeptus Xiao, I promise I know the answer to any question."

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