Ningguang sighed softly, nodded to Ryen and the others, then walked up beside Hu Tao.
This funeral was arranged entirely according to the grand hero's rites.
No matter what, those wolves had protected so many Liyue citizens. Even if they lacked much intelligence, they deserved this honor.
Liyue never mistreated its heroes.
Quietly scanning everyone below, taking in their varied expressions, Ningguang began slowly:
"Recently, many people have said that Liyue is overly extravagant holding such a grand funeral for some wolves, that it's unproductive and a waste of resources."
"Many also said, they're just beasts, why treat them this way?"
"But others don't understand, and the people of Liyue, you should know."
Ningguang paused, then raised her voice clearly.
"Five days ago, eight hundred Qianyan Guards and miners were ambushed. The enemy was over a hundred high-level monsters comparable to juvenile rock dragons."
"They attacked when everyone was at their most relaxed, catching all off guard."
"At this most critical moment, the wolves mobilized. Two hundred wolves charged bravely, unafraid of death."
"They used their lives to buy time for the eight hundred to return safely to base and await rescue."
"The Qianyan Guards who fought that day stand before you. Ask them, without the wolves, how many would have been lost facing those monsters?"
"Without the wolves, how much precious resource would Liyue have lost?"
"Over two hundred wolves were carefully raised and nurtured by them from young — they were their children."
"And on that day, those wolves risked their lives to secure their safety."
"These wolves defended the homeland and saved lives with their own. They are heroes, and Liyue will never neglect heroes."
"Even if they lack great intelligence, they have always remembered loyalty to their masters, facing death without fear."
"So they deserve a hero's honor!"
Hearing Ningguang publicly recognize their wolves this way, the Qianyan Guards and miners' eyes reddened again.
Maybe to others, those wolves were mere beasts.
But in their hearts, the wolf packs that fought alongside them were reliable comrades, partners to entrust their lives to.
At least everyone present here fully agreed with Ningguang's words.
The Qianyan Guards fought alongside the wolves, wiping out countless monsters.
Wolves patrolling the streets and alleys of Liyue were also among the locals' favorite animals.
Even many foreign merchants here had been saved by the wolves.
They completely understood Liyue's emphasis and preferential treatment of the wolves.
After all, the wolves truly traded their lives to secure everyone's safety.
A monster tide of over a hundred juvenile rock dragons — what does that even mean?
In the past, multiple top-tier Archons plus over a thousand Qianyan Guards would have to be deployed to wipe out such a terrifying monster swarm, at heavy casualties.
That the eight hundred guards and miners survived unharmed was truly thanks to the wolves' selfless protection.
For a moment, everyone was deeply moved.
Standing quietly in an inconspicuous corner, Tartaglia glanced at a crouching wolf nearby.
Sighing softly, he whispered:
"A pack of loyal, protective wolf monsters... quite rare."
"But such monsters, truly, are the most dependable partners for a warrior."
"Tch... where exactly did Liyue find these monsters? Makes me want to raise a few myself."
It was clear Tartaglia also liked these wolves very much.
Ningguang observed everyone's reactions, then declared loudly:
"The Seven Stars Council has decided to rename this place the Wolf Pack Cemetery, to be cared for by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, granting eternal peace to the heroic wolves."
With that, Ningguang stepped down from the platform and let Hu Tao complete the final rites.
Watching Ningguang return, Ryen chuckled lightly.
"You really know how to stir people's emotions."
Ningguang shook her head.
"First, those wolves deserve respect. Even if they aren't very intelligent, they did save our people."
"Second, this is also a chance to show the people of Liyue that the city will never neglect any hero who sacrifices for it."
Ryen said no more, turning to Jean and the others.
"Today you all will set off to return to Mondstadt, right?"
Jean nodded slightly, a bit regretful.
"We'll leave right after the funeral. It's a shame — we haven't fully mastered the tech in your manor yet."
"Still, it's only a temporary departure. No big deal."
Ryen comforted her, but Lisa blinked.
"I heard that Keqing also thought there was nothing urgent and went to exchange land at Guili Plains. When she came back, a new mod had opened, and you even went to the Nether."
"Besides, it seems a lot has happened recently. It's been a while, but..."
Lisa lazily twirled a strand of hair.
"Counting from when the new mod opened, the dragons hatched, and hot weapons arrived — it probably hasn't even been a week since we entered that world, right?"
"So much happened in such a short time. It's hard to believe you when you say it's no big deal."
Ryen smiled wryly but was also thinking over this.
Though it felt like a long time had passed, the MC world was nearly mature but it had really only been a bit over two months.
Every day brought rapid changes. Jean and the others, when they left, took Klee with them, met Albedo, arranged Mondstadt affairs, and found suitable people to enter that world.
At fastest, they returned just before the Celestial Invitation Ceremony.
After all, those people needed time to travel.
Ryen wasn't sure the MC world would remain the same after such a long time.
The Ender Dragon's defeat was no longer a problem, and opening new mods only required a bit of effort.
Ningguang had already chosen personnel suitable for learning hot weapon forging. The next step was large-scale production.
Counting all this, Ryen couldn't say the MC world hadn't developed at all while Jean and the others were away.
At least hot weapons would definitely be mass-produced soon.
"Lisa!"
Jean awkwardly tugged Lisa's sleeve, then said seriously:
"Ryen, don't overthink it. Just follow your own progress. When we return, we can take more time to get familiar."
"Regarding our understanding of that world, we've also built some foundation, so I don't think we'll fall behind too much."
Ryen nodded lightly.
"For now, I probably won't open the new module. The next step is just forging some heat weapons and such."
"In any case, we'll talk more after you return. By the way, is Lumine staying in Liyue?"
At this, Lumine smiled brightly and nodded.
"Of course! I still need to ask the Geo Archon about my brother's whereabouts. Going back takes too long!"
Hearing this, Ryen quietly glanced at Zhongli, who stood calmly with his hands behind his back, observing the surroundings as if he hadn't heard a word.
"I've already sent out your brother's missing person notice through Liyue's intelligence channels."
Ningguang smiled, gently rubbing Lumine's head and softly said:
"With Liyue's intelligence system, it shouldn't take long before it spreads across all of Teyvat. You don't need to worry."
Lumine's face lit up with joy as she happily hugged Ningguang.
"I knew it! Ningguang sister is the best!"
After some casual chatting, Hu Tao finished the funeral ceremony. Next, it was time for the Qixing Guards to say their farewells to the wolf pack themselves.
Hu Tao walked leisurely over to Ryen, hands behind her back, playfully tapping his shoulder with a grin:
"What were you guys talking about?"
Ryen turned his head, looking at her delicate and charming face nearby, teasing:
"We were talking about how our Leader Hu surprisingly didn't advertise the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor this time. There are so many people gathered here now—you wouldn't waste this chance, right?"
Hu Tao's pretty face puckered in annoyance, glaring at Ryen indignantly.
"In your eyes, am I just someone who only does advertising? I do have some integrity, thank you very much!"
Then her expression softened as she looked back at the Liyue people saying goodbye to the wolves.
She whispered softly:
"Anyway, today is the funeral for those heroic wolves. I really don't want to spoil the atmosphere of such a meaningful ceremony."
Ryen was momentarily stunned and gently patted Hu Tao's head.
This young lady, though she seems carefree, is actually the most careful person.
But because she constantly walks the line between life and death, she has to have a strong and optimistic heart.
Thinking about it this way, it's truly tough for Hu Tao—so young, already having to see through life and death, bearing such a heavy responsibility.
"Are you feeling sorry for me?"
Hu Tao giggled mischievously, blinking with a playful sparkle, then leaned close to Ryen's ear and whispered:
"Hmph! This time the General Affairs Department gave the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor lots and lots of Mora! I made a big profit."
"And just now, Ningguang openly said that this funeral is organized by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Mentioning it in front of so many merchants from various countries—"
"With Ningguang's influence, the name of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor will soon spread throughout Teyvat!"
"This is natural advertising, way better than me just shouting and hustling myself!"
After that, Hu Tao pointed toward the densely packed tombstones nearby.
"Besides, this cemetery needs regular upkeep, and that job has also been entrusted to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"This is steady, ongoing income. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor really made a killing this time!"
Ryen looked at Hu Tao somewhat surprised—he didn't expect her to have such a shrewd side.
Shaking his head, he sighed helplessly:
"You'd be wasting your talents if you didn't go into business."
"Hehe! What's so great about business!"
Hu Tao puffed out her chest proudly, full of ambition.
"I will definitely expand Wangsheng Funeral Parlor all across Teyvat, surpassing all previous leaders' achievements!"
Ryen had no comment on Hu Tao's somewhat terrifying ambition.
Expanding Wangsheng Funeral Parlor all over Teyvat and doing business everywhere?
What kind of trouble did Teyvat bring upon itself, to have so many people dying?
By now, the funeral had ended, and many people were leaving bit by bit.
Ryen noticed that Jean and the others were ready to say goodbye, so he waved and smiled:
"Safe travels, and come back soon."
Jean nodded earnestly.
"Definitely! When we return, Mondstadt's strength can also help you!"
Ryen chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry, we'll take good care of your dragons. They won't go hungry."
Hearing this, Jean and the others were fine, but Venti gave a somewhat guilty laugh.
After a quick greeting, he immediately transformed into a gust of wind and swept Jean and the others away.
This left Ningguang and the others puzzled, scratching their heads in confusion.
"What's wrong with Venti? So rushed?"
Ryen shook his head, chuckling.
"He's afraid I'll make him leave the dragons behind."
"Hmm?"
"Yep, that guy took the dragons with him!"
"??!?"
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