Verr Goldet picked up a brush made of an unknown type of bristle, dipped it lightly in the sap of a Glaze Lily, and pressed it to Jia Changjiang’s back.
The cool tip of the brush glided across his skin, leaving faint markings in its wake.
“Does the Guyun Stone Forest really seal an ancient sea god as the legends say?” Lumine, leaning against the railing, gazed curiously at the distant forest. “And what are those strange, pillar-like rock formations?”
“Those are the stone spears cast by the Geo Archon himself to suppress the sea god ages ago,” Verr Goldet explained as she continued drawing the demonic seal on Jia Changjiang’s back. “Even after thousands of years, they remain as a testament to his incredible power.”
“It’s said that even now, the sea god’s murmurs can sometimes be heard from beneath the waves…”
“Yikes!” Paimon shivered and shrank back. “That sounds terrifying! Those sea gods won’t escape, will they?”
“Who can say?” Verr Goldet smiled. “No one knows if those gods are truly dead or alive. Perhaps the adepti might know more.”
She shifted the topic, her gaze falling on Jia Changjiang. “By the way, your attire and weapon are rather unusual. Where do they come from?”
“Oh, this?” Jia Changjiang chuckled. “This is a kasaya, and this is a monk’s staff. They’re traditional items used by monks.”
“Monk? Is that your profession?” Verr Goldet inquired.
Jia Changjiang laughed. “Not at all. I just came across these items by chance. If I were a monk, I’d probably be some kind of renegade one.”
He laughed heartily before continuing, “The staff is convenient, though, so I use it as a weapon. While I lack the compassion monks are supposed to have, I can manage vajra wrath well enough.”
He held up a hand adorned with a string of prayer beads, his tone lighthearted. “Like the adepti you mentioned earlier, I prefer to solve problems with strength rather than words.
“Instead of reasoning with people, I find it easier—and much more satisfying—to simply say, ‘Allow me to deliver you to enlightenment.’”
Hearing his words, Verr Goldet could imagine what a true monk might be like. It was also clear, however, that Jia Changjiang had no interest in pursuing such a path.
“All done,” Verr Goldet said as she set down the brush. “The demonic seal is complete.”
“Really? Let me take a look—ow!” Jia Changjiang was about to find a mirror when a sudden sting spread across his back.
“The demonic seal has lasted for millennia for good reason,” Verr Goldet explained, noticing his reaction. “Although it’s just painted on, it’ll remain intact for at least a month.”
“For the next month, at least, you’ll be protected from minor evils.”
On Jia Changjiang’s back, the faint markings from earlier began to darken, as though blood were seeping from the lines. A crimson seal slowly took form, glowing faintly as it solidified.
“No wonder,” Jia Changjiang muttered as realization dawned on him. “I suppose Xiao insisted on this because the seal will hold until everything is resolved… One month should be enough time for it all to play out.”
The pain was sharp but manageable, a mere nuisance compared to the battles he had endured.
“Demonic seals, monk’s staffs, kasayas, alms bowls, prayer beads…” Jia Changjiang muttered with a half-smile. “Feels like I’ve been pulling items straight out of Tang Sanzang’s inventory, but somehow, I’m starting to feel more like Fahai.”
“What are you mumbling about?” Lumine asked, her curiosity piqued by his muttering as she inspected the seal on his back.
“Nothing. Just thinking out loud.” Jia Changjiang pulled his robes back on and turned to Verr Goldet. “Thanks for your help. And, if possible, please pass my thanks to the Vigilant Yaksha as well.”
“If you wish to thank Xiao, almond tofu would be a good choice,” Verr Goldet replied with a smile. “I think he’d appreciate it. You seem to have a better chance of reaching him than most.”
With that, Verr Goldet returned to the inn, leaving the trio to prepare for their next steps.
“Alright! Let’s head back to Liyue!” Lumine said, clenching her fists and brimming with her usual fiery energy. “Once we find Childe, let’s just throw him to the adepti!”
“Not a bad idea,” Jia Changjiang agreed with a grin. “But, Lumine, have you thought about how you’re going to see the Geo Archon’s remains yet?”
“Not really… But we’ll figure it out when we get back!” Lumine said confidently, patting Jia Changjiang on the arm. “Whatever happens, we’re super strong, right?”
“We’re unstoppable!”
—
Upon returning to Liyue, the group donned simple disguises to avoid drawing attention.
After successfully evading the Millelith, they finally reached the Northland Bank, where they found Childe waiting for them.
The sight of them made him burst into laughter. “What’s with those outfits? You three look ridiculous!”
“Tch…” Lumine turned away with an annoyed expression and whispered to Jia Changjiang, “Can I punch him? Or better yet, let’s just tie him up and deliver him to the adepti!”
“Don’t be so harsh,” Childe teased, still chuckling as he rubbed his aching cheeks. “I just couldn’t help myself. So, how did your visit with the adepti go?”
“Just as you planned,” Jia Changjiang said bluntly. “The adepti are furious and heading toward Liyue Harbor. Some are even considering suppressing the Qixing directly. Is that the outcome you wanted?”
“The Fatui had no such plan,” Childe said smoothly, brushing off the accusation. “Everything the adepti know is true, isn’t it? Besides, the Qixing’s secretive behavior—hiding the Geo Archon’s remains—is certainly suspicious. Ningguang’s constant surveillance of the Fatui hasn’t made things any easier for us, either.”
“Serves you right,” Lumine retorted, sticking out her tongue. “That’s your problem, isn’t it?”
“But the fact remains: if the Qixing have hidden the Geo Archon’s remains, what do we do now?” Paimon asked worriedly. “Does that mean we can’t meet him?”
“I might be able to help with that,” Childe offered with a sly smile. “I just need a little time.”
“What are you planning this time?” Lumine demanded, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
“Nothing nefarious,” Childe said, feigning innocence. “I simply find this all very intriguing. The calmer things appear on the surface, the more turbulent the undercurrents grow.
“To witness the final flood breaking through the dam… well, that’s worth giving you a hand.”
—
This is a fan translation of 武器大师在原神绝不死于徒手 by 徐人双 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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