Fontaine's Grand Stage: Come If You Dare! (Genshin Impact) Chapter 373 23: Miss Yelan, Please Help Us!

Two days later, the Treasure Hoarder Leader had been mulling things over and couldn't shake the feeling that this whole thing was too good to be true.

To verify the benefit's authenticity, he disguised himself and went to a posthouse.

He specifically looked for a traveler coming from the direction of Liyue Harbor. As soon as the man entered the posthouse, the leader imdiately approached him to strike up a conversation.

"Brother, could I trouble you to ask you sothing?"

"No trouble at all! Ask away, anything you want. I'm a friendly and hospitable person!"

Seeing the man's broad smile, the Treasure Hoarder Leader felt his own spirits lift. The very first person he'd approached was so easygoing! Not wanting to waste the man's ti, he quickly pulled the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor flyer from his pocket.

"Take a look at this!"

The Treasure Hoarder Leader was about to ask sothing when he saw the man's face instantly drain of color.

"Damn it! What a jinxed piece of crap! How is this damned thing here too?!"

After spitting out those words, the man didn't even bother resting at the posthouse. He imdiately shouldered his bag and hit the road again, moving several tis faster than when he'd arrived.

"Huh?"

The Treasure Hoarder Leader stood there, utterly bewildered, staring blankly at the man's retreating figure. He had no idea what had just happened.

He turned to look back inside the posthouse. He didn't know when it had happened, but all conversation had ceased. The atmosphere was eerily silent.

And was it just his imagination, or did he feel countless strange, almost imperceptible gazes converging on him?

As if sensing his attention, many of those gazes imdiately darted away.

At the sa ti, several people stood up, grabbed their bags, and headed toward the back of the posthouse. The remaining patrons hesitated, their faces filled with indecision.

Seeing this, the Treasure Hoarder Leader started to panic. He abandoned his plan to patiently wait for the next person and instead shouted to the crowd.

"Is anyone here from Liyue Harbor? Have you heard about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's recent Mora giveaway?"

After the Treasure Hoarder Leader finished speaking, those already sneaking away broke into a full sprint, and the ones still watching imdiately packed their bags and fled.

"Why is Director Hu here too?!" soone wailed, and the crowd's movents beca even more frantic.

"Hey, wait! What's wrong with you all?"

"If sothing's wrong, just say it!"

The Treasure Hoarder Leader grew even more panicked. Seeing that everyone was about to escape, he forcefully grabbed one man by the collar. He ripped off his own disguise, revealing a fierce and nacing expression, and demanded, "Tell ! Why are you all running?!"

"Not telling you is for your own good," the man stamred. "But if you really want to know... fine."

"We usually call this thing Yama's Notice. According to statistics, no one who receives a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor flyer has ever lived past seven days."

"You think the Parlor gives you that much money for free? You have to be alive to spend it!"

After hearing this, the Treasure Hoarder Leader froze, his grip slackening. The man tore himself free and imdiately sprinted after the fleeing crowd.

"I... I'm going to die?"

"Ha... haha... This can't be real!"

The money was gone. His status as a leader was gone. Now, hearing that his life was about to end too, the Treasure Hoarder Leader's mind completely shattered.

Suddenly, the sound of dense, rhythmic footsteps echoed from the distance.

"What's going on? Why has everyone left? Did a monster appear?"

"Could be Director Hu."

"Impossible. I had breakfast with Director Hu this morning. I already confird her destination today is in the opposite direction."

"Damn, you actually dared to have breakfast with Director Hu? Weren't you afraid she'd get a sudden whim and hand you a flyer?"

"Nah, Director Hu isn't that scary. The truly terrifying one is soone else. That person is seriously cursed—they can spot a dead man walking with just a glance."

"That is seriously cursed."

"I really don't know where Director Hu found such a 'talent'."

-

Upon hearing this conversation, a glimr of hope ignited in the Treasure Hoarder Leader's eyes.

"I... I want to turn myself in!"

He imdiately rushed out. Hearing the commotion, the Millelith soldiers instantly raised their weapons, their faces wary as they watched him.

"Halt! Who goes there?!"

The Treasure Hoarder Leader obediently froze on the spot, then spoke again.

"Honorable Millelith, I am guilty! I'm turning myself in! Please, arrest !"

"I'm a Treasure Hoarder! I've stolen countless things and robbed many people! I confess to everything!"

"I have only one request: please find a doctor. I have no money for dical treatnt."

He was in the pri of his life, yet he'd been told he might not have long to live. To the Treasure Hoarder Leader, the only explanation was that he was suffering from a serious illness without realizing it.

"Turning himself in?"

The Millelith soldiers looked at him strangely. Just as they were about to say sothing, they noticed the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor flyer in his hand. A look of understanding—mixed with a hint of pity—dawned in their eyes.

-

"Miss Yelan, please, you have to do sothing about Director Hu Tao!"

Upon seeing Yelan, a figure rushed forward, weeping, trying to cling to her leg. However, Yelan frowned, raised her leg, and pressed the tip of her foot against his forehead, stopping him cold.

"Are you tired of living?"

Hearing Yelan's threat, the man finally cald down and timidly took two steps back. Yelan lowered her foot, leaned against a nearby pillar, and looked down at him.

"If you have sothing to say, just say it."

With Yelan's permission, the man imdiately spoke again.

"Miss Yelan, you really have to help us this ti!"

"The Treasure Hoarders may have done so foolish things, but they were just petty thefts and minor cris—nothing serious! We don't deserve this!"

"We've been working for you for so long, Miss Yelan. Even if we haven't earned any rits, we've certainly put in the effort! You have to help us with this, or we won't be able to survive!"

A look of surprise crossed Yelan's face.

She had been investigating a Fatui smuggling operation and hadn't been paying attention to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's activities. It seed Hu Tao had now expanded her business to include the Fatui.

No wonder he used all the signal flares I gave him, she thought. He must have been desperate to et with as soon as possible.

So that's what happened, Yelan thought, a playful glint in her eyes as she studied the man. Honestly, she had never seen him so docile. Before, with his ample manpower and extensive network of informants, he had always acted high and mighty, even with her. Their relationship had been one of equal partnership, nothing more.

And now, after just one visit from Hu Tao, he's treating like his savior!

"Director Hu Tao paid you a visit?" Yelan asked.

"You bet she did!" the man wailed. "Those two little tyrants! I welcod them with open arms, and what did I get in return? Not a word of thanks! Instead, they handed out over thirty 'Yama's Notices' to my n! The very next day, seven of them dropped dead!"

"At first, we thought Director Hu Tao was giving out so kind of bonus! Who knew it was a death sentence?!"

"Just yesterday afternoon, more than a dozen of my n resigned to join my arch-rivals! Their gangs only received three 'Yama's Notices,' so everyone thinks it's safer over there!"

"Of course it's safer! They haven't been active lately!"

"How am I supposed to lead my crew with Director Hu Tao pulling stunts like this?!"

"Even my second-in-command got so scared he wanted to wash his hands of the whole business and retire to the countryside! If I hadn't gotten on my knees and begged him to stay, he'd be halfway ho by now!"

"Miss Yelan, you be the judge! We've never offended the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor before! Is it really necessary to push us to the brink of annihilation?!"

"If Director Hu Tao keeps showing up like this, how am I supposed to keep my people from leaving? How am I supposed to recruit anyone new?!"

Yelan couldn't help but laugh. From the other party's slightly exaggerated description, she could sense their helplessness and despair—a state even she struggled to inflict on them. After all, despite her considerable strength, the Treasure Hoarders' intelligence network was incredibly fast. At most, she could only destroy a few of their strongholds before the rest would all relocate.

Moreover, the vast majority of Treasure Hoarder strongholds were extrely well-hidden. To think that he had managed to find them... It was impossible not to take notice.

Of course, Yelan didn't believe for a second that Hu Tao had found them herself. The key was clearly Consultant Chen Feng.

The ability to see others' remaining lifespan? It's probably not that simple.

Then again, that was just their own speculation. The man had rely let them assu it. What a cunning young man.

Well, I've just about wrapped up my recent tasks. I suppose I can play along with you for a while.

Although what Chen Feng had done this ti wasn't a bad thing—in fact, it could even be considered a good deed—his potential threat level to Liyue had just skyrocketed.

First, he obviously wasn't telling the whole truth. The ability to see soone's remaining lifespan alone wouldn't be enough to find these "rats" hiding underground. While it's normal for soone to be guarded when being tested by strangers, that doesn't change the fact that they consider him a dangerous individual.

In fact, if it weren't for Keqing's test confirming that his physical condition was only that of an ordinary person, and that he was rely associating with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor without attempting to approach Liyue's core personnel, Yelan would have taken him away long ago for a thorough examination—inside and out—given such a suspicious ability.

Second, Yelan noticed that Chen Feng had a strong sense of purpose. On the surface, he seed to be contributing to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's growth, but in reality, it appeared he was more interested in coming into contact with more people who were near death.

There was a possibility, however slight, that Chen Feng could gain so benefit from this. Though the likelihood wasn't high, it was a risk they couldn't afford to ignore.

Another possibility was that he didn't need the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to contact the dying at all. Instead, he might be using the Parlor to build a reputation for himself.

Perhaps... he even wants to beco the next god, Yelan mused.

"Go back," she said. "I can't help you with this."

"After all, Director Hu is just conducting normal business promotion. From my position, I have no reason to stop her."

"Please, Miss Yelan! We can talk this over!"

Hearing Yelan's words, the man grew anxious.

"If you're willing to help , Miss Yelan, I'll have my brothers follow your lead from now on!"

"That's not enough," Yelan replied with a faint smile. "I also need you to guarantee that you'll stop robbing travelers within Liyue's borders. If you can do that, I'll make a trip to speak with Director Hu."

The man gritted his teeth and agreed.

"Alright, just as you say, Miss Yelan. As long as you can persuade Director Hu to stay away from my territory, I promise my n will stop robbing travelers in Liyue."

Yelan t his gaze, her smile deepening.

Sly old fox!

In truth, Yelan had set a trap. She wanted him to make the promise first, but he hadn't fallen for it. Though he appeared flustered and helpless, he was still secretly calculating his own interests.

No matter, she thought. I was only testing him anyway.

"If you've decided, then sign the contract."

A re verbal promise held no binding power, and Yelan wouldn't trust his word alone.

Soon, the contract was signed.

"Those who break this contract will suffer the Wrath of the Rock. You should know this. Keep your n in line from now on."

"Of course! As a citizen of Liyue, I will certainly abide by the contract!"

Seeing his earnest expression, Yelan nodded. She had already cut off one of his revenue streams; pushing him too hard would be unwise. She waved a hand, dismissing him.

Yet, the man lingered, seemingly oblivious to her gesture.

"Still here? Are you hoping I'll invite you to stay for dinner?" Yelan teased, sensing he had sothing else on his mind.

"That won't be necessary..."

The man hesitated again before finally steeling himself. "Miss Yelan," he began, "I was wondering... could you perhaps ask Director Hu Tao to... pay a few visits to my rivals?"

"Of course, I wouldn't ask Director Hu Tao to make the trip for nothing. I'm willing to offer 200,000 Mora as compensation for her trouble."

He continued, "Additionally, I've prepared 50,000 Mora for you, Miss Yelan. If you're willing to act as my interdiary, the money is yours to keep, whether she agrees or not."

Yelan scoffed. "You're a clever one, aren't you?"

"Heh heh," the man chuckled, pulling a pouch containing the 50,000 Mora from his pocket and offering it with a fawning smile. "In our line of work, if you're not clever, you'll be eaten alive, bones and all."

"Besides," he added, "my petty tricks are nothing compared to yours, Miss Yelan!"

"Enough. I'll take the money. You can go now." Yelan accepted the pouch, weighing it in her hand. Satisfied with the amount, she nodded. "I'll speak to Director Hu Tao for you. Whether she agrees is another matter entirely."

"Understood, understood!"

The man nodded repeatedly and began to back away.

"Well then, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll be on my way!"

After saying this, he continued to face Yelan as he retreated, gradually receding until he disappeared into the woods.

"Still as cautious as ever," Yelan murmured, shaking her head. She then turned and began a leisurely stroll toward Liyue Harbor.