I opened a shop on the Astral Train-Chapter 77

Zhongli gave a small smile and nodded. "Indeed. I was just considering inviting everyone to Liyue for the Sea Lantern Festival."

Hu Tao grinned. "Great minds think alike! I was planning to take Zhong and the others to Dihua Marsh. There's a ruin there we couldn't figure out how to access last time. Maybe they can help."

Zhongli sipped his tea thoughtfully. "That sounds like a good plan. But first, let's enjoy our meal. We'll inform the others after dinner."

Meanwhile, Yuri stepped out of his room, having just received a letter suddenly.

Yuri glanced at the invitation letter in his hand. The last time he received one, it had connected him to Teyvat. This time, he wondered which world it would link to. However, there was no rush—he'd use it in a couple of days.

Returning to the dining hall, Yuri saw Himeko and Kafka surrounded by their respective groups. Klee and Seele sat eagerly next to Himeko, while Diona and Hook nestled close to Kafka.

Yuri smiled. "Thanks for taking care of them."

Himeko chuckled. "No problem, I'm used to it. It's not a real meal unless I have little ones with me."

Kafka nodded, sipping her drink. "Diona and Hook are adorable. They've been on their best behavior."

Yuri took a seat and helped serve the kids their meals, enjoying the lighthearted chatter.

Over by the lounge, Kevin, March 7th, Amber, Eula, and Stelle had gathered, a large plate of food in front of them. As they ate, they discussed plans for the next day.

March 7th sighed. "We have to attend the Martial Arts Ceremony tomorrow. Does that mean we'll miss the dungeon run?"

Kevin frowned. "Maybe we just skip the ceremony?"

Amber shook her head. "No way. We already signed up. It wouldn't be right to back out now."

Stelle considered the situation. "How about this: we check what kind of dungeon it is. If it's boring, we go to the ceremony. If it's interesting, we can skip the ceremony and go to the dungeon instead."

Eula raised an eyebrow. "No, no, no. We committed to the ceremony. We have to go. Besides, weren't you all excited to show off?"

Kevin, Stelle, and March 7th blinked. Right, they did want to show off.

Asmodeus, who had been eating nearby, perked up. "Showing off? Count me in!"

Stelle looked at him skeptically. "With your strength? You might be a little... overqualified."

Asmodeus crossed his arms. "If Kevin can join, why can't I?"

Stelle conceded the point. "Fair enough. Go talk to General Jing Yuan. If he allows it, you're in."

Asmodeus grinned and gave an "OK" gesture.

Elsewhere, Paimon and Yanqing sat at the bar of a small tavern, happily devouring their meals.

Paimon wiped her mouth and turned to Yanqing. "Want to get more food?"

Yanqing, still chewing, nodded enthusiastically. "Ga! Go!"

With that, they rushed off to grab more skewers from Xiangling's grill. They weren't the only ones enjoying the feast—Noelle, ever diligent, made sure the warming stove remained stocked with fresh skewers.

At another table, Venti and Feixiao clinked their bottles together, each downing a beer in one go.

"Ahh~ That's the good stuff!" Venti sighed contentedly.

Feixiao laughed. "Where'd you get this?"

"Yuri bought it. Ten bottles for one Stellar Jade."

Feixiao raised an eyebrow. "That cheap?"

Venti nodded. "Yep! That's why I stick around. Free-flowing drinks and good company! Come on, have some food with it."

Feixiao smirked. "Alright, since you treated me today, drinks are on me tomorrow!"

Venti grinned. "Deal! Another round!"

Laughter and conversation filled the room as everyone ate, drank, and enjoyed the night together. Good food, great company, and endless fun—what more could anyone ask for?

More than two hours later, with their stomachs full and spirits high, Hu Tao suddenly appeared with a loudspeaker.

"Hey, hey, hey! Can you all hear me? My guest has an announcement, everyone gather up!"

Curious, everyone crowded around as Hu Tao handed the microphone to Zhongli.

Taking his time, Zhongli spoke in his calm and steady voice. "Some of you may already know this, but the day after tomorrow marks Liyue's Lantern Festival. I extend a sincere invitation to all of you to join us for the Sea Lantern Festival."

A wave of excitement spread through the crowd. The promise of glowing lanterns, dazzling fireworks, and festivities under the night sky—it was an offer no one could refuse.

"The Lantern Festival is the most important celebration of the year in Liyue. It will be lively and full of festivities. If you have time, you should come and experience it for yourself."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hu Tao grinned and waved her hand. "Let me tell you, the Lantern Festival is super fun! There are tons of mini-games!"

Hearing the word "games," Kevin, March 7th, Amber, Seele, and the others immediately perked up, expressing their excitement and eagerness to go.

Hu Tao continued, "There will also be night lantern displays, fireworks, poetry readings, boat rides, and more!"

Jing Yuan, Welt, Jiaoqiu, and Huai Yan exchanged glances, their interest piqued.

Welt turned to the group. "How about we all go and take part in these activities together?"

Huai Yan stroked his beard. "This sounds like a wonderful event. It suits me well."

Jing Yuan smiled. "We could also take a cruise, bring a pot of tea and a chessboard, and enjoy the scenery while practicing our strategies."

Jiaoqiu fanned himself leisurely. "Mr. Zhongli has extended such a generous invitation—how could I refuse?"

The group immediately began discussing which events they wanted to experience first.

Meanwhile, Ningguang observed the growing excitement and, as Liyue's Tianquan, she knew she had to make a statement.

"Listen, everyone. All of your expenses in Liyue Harbor will be covered by me, Ningguang. Enjoy yourselves."

Kevin was stunned. Free food, free entertainment? Ningguang's generosity was unmatched.

He jumped to his feet, clapping wildly. "Amazing!"

March 7th, Ying, Amber, and the others followed suit, joining in the applause.

Feixiao approached Jing Yuan and Huai Yan with a suggestion. "General Jing Yuan, Elder Yan, there are more dungeon instances in Yuri's shop, and Liyue is celebrating the Lantern Festival. How about we postpone the Martial Arts Ceremony?"

Jing Yuan hesitated. "Many competitors have already arrived at Xianzhou Luofu, prepared to participate tomorrow. It wouldn't be appropriate to change the schedule now."

Feixiao waved it off. "What's the big deal? We can just reimburse their expenses in Luofu, right?"

Huai Yan nodded. "We could also offer some additional benefits, like free access to martial arts schools."

Jing Yuan pondered the idea for a moment before nodding. "That could work."

He quickly contacted Fu Xuan and requested an official announcement. Within a short time, most contestants accepted the postponement without issue.

Luca, who had come to compete with Swarovski, was thrilled. "This is great! I was worried about finding a place to train."

Swarovski adjusted his glasses. "Based on my calculations, the delay means Luca will have access to free training facilities, which will increase his chances of winning."

Given Belobog's financial struggles, Luca and Swarovski had been forced to stay in the cheapest accommodations. The city had very few credit reserves, and with the first batch of Ice Deer still maturing, Belobog's economy relied solely on selling rare minerals—minerals that were not particularly valuable on the interstellar market. With the help of Topaz and Hisui, Bronya had managed to secure a few deals, but money remained tight.

Now, with free lodging, meals, and training space, Luca's problems were solved.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

Back at Yuri's shop, excitement filled the air as everyone finalized their plans for the trip to Liyue.

After a bit more fun at the shop, everyone eventually headed home to rest, preparing for the festivities ahead.

The next morning.

In Himeko's room.

Himeko slept soundly in her bed, while Kevin and March 7th slept on the floor beside her.

As the alarm clock rang, Kevin bolted upright. "Full health restored!"

He shut off the alarm and looked out the window. The sky was tinged with the warm hues of sunrise, fiery clouds drifting lazily across the horizon.

Stretching, he turned to March 7th, who was still asleep. He shook her gently. "March, wake up."

She groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. "Just five more minutes..."

Himeko, already awake and making her bed, chuckled at the scene. "Kevin, shake her again. We need to get ready to leave for Liyue Harbor. Didn't you say last night you wanted to have breakfast there?"

At the mention of food, Kevin grabbed March 7th's shoulders and pulled her up.

March 7th groaned, rubbing her eyes. "Ugh... I'm so sleepy..."

But since she was already up, there was no going back to sleep now.

Himeko smiled. "Fold up the bedding. I'm heading to wash up."

She stepped into the hallway, only to find Jing Yuan and his group just boarding the train.

"Good morning, Ms. Himeko," Jing Yuan greeted with a polite nod.

She returned the smile. "Good morning. You're all up early."

Jing Yuan sighed dramatically. "Not by choice—Elder Yan woke me up."

Huai Yan laughed heartily. "I'm an old man, I don't need much sleep. Rather than lying awake in the hotel, I figured I'd get everyone moving."

Feixiao nudged them. "Come on, let's hurry up. I have a drink appointment with Venti at a tavern in Liyue."

Himeko chuckled. "You all go ahead. I'll catch up after freshening up."

The group bid her farewell and made their way to Yuri's shop.

Inside, Yuri was helping the four little ones wash up. Klee, Hook, Diona, and Stelle stood by the sink, each holding a toothbrush and cup, diligently brushing their teeth while Yuri prepared warm water for them to wash their faces.

Jing Yuan observed with amusement. "Feixiao, go on ahead. Elder Yan and I will wait for Yuri."

Feixiao grinned. "Alright, I'll leave you to it."

Jing Yuan and Huai Yan stayed behind, waiting for Yuri. They had planned to attend the poetry reading together.

After finishing their morning routine, the four little ones lined up in front of Yuri, waiting for their final instructions.

"What's the most important rule when going out?" Yuri asked.

The four little ones chorused in unison. "Safety first!"

Yuri nodded approvingly. "Good. Rios, I'll leave them in your care today."

Rios nodded. "Understood."

Yuri turned back to the children. "Remember, don't run too far from Rios, alright?"

"Okay!" they chimed.

Satisfied, Yuri waved them off. "Go and have fun."

The four little ones cheered as they rushed into the portal, heading to Liyue Harbor.

"Let's go, sisters!"

"Klee gets to play now~"

"Hook is so happy!"

"Wait for me!"

With that, Yuri, Jing Yuan, Huai Yan, Jiaoqiu, and Welt gathered their things and stepped into the portal as well, ready to meet up with Zhongli and enjoy the festival.