“The Rite of Farewell requires extensive preparations. We should begin immediately,” Zhongli suggested before glancing at Jia Changjiang. “What do you think, Mr. Jia?”
“I won’t be participating in the initial preparations,” Jia Changjiang replied, shaking his head. “I need to fulfill my contract.”
Zhongli raised an eyebrow. “Now?”
“Yes, now.” Jia Changjiang’s tone was resolute. “The contract is signed, so I must honor it with full dedication. Besides, there are things that are best addressed immediately.”
A sly smile crossed his lips. “I’m feeling great after that meal—the timing couldn’t be better.”
His cryptic response left Lumine confused, her head tilting quizzically. “What are you two talking about? What contract?”
“It’s a private agreement between Zhongli and me,” Jia Changjiang said, ruffling Lumine’s hair with a smirk. “Relax, I’m not selling you or Paimon.”
Lumine swatted his hand away. “I wasn’t even worried, but now I’m starting to think I should be. You’re not planning to sell us off as laborers, are you?”
“Human trafficking is illegal in Liyue,” Zhongli interjected calmly. “Rest assured, Mr. Jia has simply entered into a contract related to Liyue.”
Jia Changjiang straightened, gripping his monk’s staff firmly as he addressed Zhongli. “Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave. Fulfilling this contract requires me to play the part of a martial monk. Though it’s a monk’s role…”
He trailed off, bowing slightly before departing, heading toward the northwest of Liyue Harbor in the direction of Mount Tianheng.
Lumine watched his retreating figure, puzzled. “You didn’t seriously hire Jax to fight someone, did you?”
“What makes you say that?” Zhongli asked, intrigued.
“Well, whenever he gets serious like that, it’s either because he promised something or because he’s about to fight someone,” Lumine explained, furrowing her brows.
Zhongli nodded thoughtfully. “You seem to understand your companion well. However, there’s nothing in our contract related to combat.
“Outside the terms of the contract, I do not interfere. How he chooses to fulfill it is entirely up to him.”
“Hmm…” Lumine muttered, still staring after Jia Changjiang. “But he really does look like he’s going to fight someone…”
—
Meanwhile, near Mount Tianheng, Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Qixing, and Keqing, the Yuheng, were preparing alongside the Millelith to receive the arriving adepti.
Among the Qixing, Ningguang and Keqing had been chosen to lead this effort due to their possession of Visions, which gave them an advantage in handling any unexpected events.
Additionally, with the Empire facing unprecedented turmoil, the other Qixing were occupied managing the harbor and addressing the aftermath of the Geo Archon’s assassination.
Though officially preparing to welcome the adepti, there was an undercurrent of unease—perhaps even a subtle intent to keep them at a distance from Liyue Harbor.
Otherwise, the meeting would not have been arranged in such a remote location.
“Are the adepti here to question us about the Geo Archon’s assassination?” Keqing mused aloud, her arms crossed as she stood at the base of the mountain. “Those two travelers you were watching… They told the adepti everything, didn’t they? Now the Qixing look even more suspicious.”
“They acted as they saw fit,” Ningguang replied, her tone even. “Even without them, someone else would have informed the adepti of what transpired. And compared to speculation, the travelers at least conveyed the truth.”
“True enough,” Keqing admitted, though her expression remained troubled. “But the adepti… Their attitude toward Liyue might change because of this incident. And if they decide…”
“The assassination of the Geo Archon is a trial for both Liyue and the Qixing,” Ningguang said, shaking her head slightly. “What matters now is how we face this trial. We must wait for the adepti to arrive and ascertain their stance toward Liyue.”
Keqing let out a soft huff, uncrossing her arms as she stepped forward, prepared to meet the approaching adepti. Around them, the Millelith stood ready in formation, bracing for what was to come.
It wasn’t long before the adepti arrived.
Descending through the air, their forms were clearly visible against the sky.
“They’re here,” Keqing said, her tone quiet but firm. She dropped her arms to her sides and took a few steps forward.
The adepti, spotting the gathering of Millelith below, halted their approach and landed before reaching the main group.
“Why do the Qixing assemble here?” Moon Carver asked, his tone sharp. “You know why we adepti have come. Shouldn’t you be preparing an explanation?”
The adeptus’s piercing gaze swept over the group. “The Rite of Descension was defiled by the assassination of Rex Lapis. Liyue’s Seven must answer for this.”
“There’s no need for so many words!” Cloud Retainer snapped, her wings flaring as her voice rang out. “We should subdue Liyue Harbor at once and investigate the truth ourselves!”
“Please, honored adepti, calm yourselves,” Ningguang interjected with measured respect. “This is a grave matter, and the Qixing will offer a full explanation. However, such a significant event requires careful deliberation. Your prolonged seclusion in Jueyun Karst may mean that sudden intervention is unwise.”
“And how can we trust that the Qixing have no hand in this?” Mountain Shaper demanded. “What mortal force could possibly slay Rex Lapis?”
“The Qixing’s decision to seal the area was solely to prevent widespread panic,” Ningguang replied, her tone steady despite the pointed accusation. “Our actions were intended to maintain Liyue’s stability.”
“Stability?!” Cloud Retainer exclaimed, feathers ruffling as she raised her wings. “The Geo Archon was murdered at the Rite of Descension. How can you call that stability?”
Ningguang remained silent under the intensity of Cloud Retainer’s ire. The tension between the adepti and the Millelith grew palpable, and the stillness of the mountain was broken only by the faint rustle of leaves and grass in the wind.
Then, the distinct thud, thud of a staff striking the ground echoed through the tense air.
The sound grew louder, accompanied by steady, deliberate footsteps.
A young Millelith soldier turned to look, his curiosity piqued.
Coming into view was a man dressed in a crimson kasaya, a string of prayer beads around his neck. In his hand, he carried a monk’s staff made of dark iron, its metal rings jingling softly as he strode confidently toward the gathering.
—
T/N: Bro is about to throw down with the entire Liyue cast
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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