Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

Early morning, Liyue Harbor.

"Come one, come all! Check it out! Today's special offer at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—half price on the second tombstone!"

A lively girl with a six-pointed hat, twin ponytails, and plum blossom eyes darted through the streets and alleys of Liyue Harbor.

But despite her energy and cheerful hustle promoting Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the townsfolk all avoided her.

After all, funerals weren't exactly something people liked to think about—shouting about discounts on tombstones early in the morning was more than a little off-putting.

As a result, no one dared to get close. Everyone kept their distance from Hu Tao.

...

Under the night sky, Hu Tao dragged her weary body back to the funeral parlor.

Still no customers today.

Just as she was about to step inside, a thought struck her.

She straightened up and gave herself a pep talk.

"I can't let Mr. Zhongli see me all down like this."

She took a deep breath. Determination flickered in her eyes, and her usual fiery enthusiasm returned to her face.

"Yeah! That's more like it!"

With renewed confidence, she pushed open the door and walked in.

Zhongli was there, unhurried as ever, brewing tea.

"Any business?"

"Nope, but it's fine. I've got a feeling we'll get one soon!"

"You said the same thing last week," Zhongli said, calling her out without hesitation.

"Hey, don't be like that! It'll happen—I believe in myself!"

Hu Tao pouted and skipped over, full of energy.

Zhongli poured her a cup of tea.

"Mr. Zhongli, you always say that birth, aging, sickness, and death are part of life. So why doesn't anyone want to prepare for it ahead of time?"

She stared at her reflection in the tea, her plum blossom eyes filled with confusion.

Zhongli slowly picked up his cup, took a light sip, and savored the lingering flavor.

"Death is indeed unavoidable... but when someone's still full of life, who'd willingly pick out a coffin for themselves?"

Hu Tao pouted.

"That's not true. All the past masters of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor came to terms with life and death. Preparing early is totally normal!"

"My first job was presiding over Grandpa's funeral. I've long since planned for my own."

She downed her tea in one gulp and exclaimed,

"Ahh! That hits the spot!"

It was as if she really had no fear of death.

Zhongli's golden eyes dimmed slightly at her defiant reply.

Sensing his odd expression, Hu Tao stood up proudly and patted her chest.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhongli! I've already designed your funeral. I'll make sure it's just as grand as the one we gave the Geo Archon!"

Zhongli froze.

The hand that was about to pour more tea stopped mid-air, and he stood there completely still.

Seeing this, Hu Tao tilted her head in confusion.

"What's wrong, Mr. Zhongli? Don't tell me you don't trust the Hall Master's skills?"

Zhongli came back to his senses, smiled faintly, and slowly refilled her cup.

"I trust you. It's just…"

"Just what?"

"I'm just afraid you won't keep your promise."

Hu Tao blinked in surprise.

"Come on, that's impossible! I always keep my word. I've never promised something I couldn't follow through on!"

"Is that so…" Zhongli said, his voice layered with meaning.

"Of course! You can trust this Hall Master completely!"

"In that case, let's make a contract."

"A contract? Hmm… Sure, no problem! I'll never break it!"

Hu Tao beamed confidently.

"Very well. Then the contract is sealed. Should it be broken, the offender shall suffer the punishment of eating stone!"

With that, Zhongli lifted his teacup and drank it down.

Hu Tao mimicked him, finishing her tea in one gulp.

She started rambling boastfully again while Zhongli sat with a gentle smile, quietly watching the girl in front of him.

He wanted to etch her image deep into his memory—into the eternal stone of time.

If you're the one to see me off... that would be wonderful...

He smiled faintly, thinking to himself.

...

Decades later.

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Liyue Harbor.

"Mr. Zhongli... you haven't changed at all…"

Hu Tao was no longer the bright, lively girl she used to be.

Her hair was snow white, her face lined with wrinkles, her voice so weak it was hard to speak.

Zhongli looked at her, eyes full of sorrow, unsure of what to say.

"I… broke the contract... didn't I…"

"No. You fulfilled it."

"Do you remember... the Rite of Parting?"

Hearing this, Hu Tao's eyes widened—

As if, in that moment, everything made sense.

"I see..."

"Thank you... Mr. Zhongli..."

A soft smile appeared on her aged face as her frail hand slowly fell.

Zhongli stood by, watching the scene before him.

And on the everlasting stone, a new mark joined the others—

A mark that belonged to her.

Wear and tear.

...