Upon seeing Xiao, Lumine and her group descended to greet him.
“Xiao, we’re here!” Lumine called out, waving her hand enthusiastically.
Xiao, who usually maintained a cold expression, noticeably tensed when he saw Jia Changjiang and Lumine. He quickly regained his composure but couldn’t hide the subtle discomfort in his gaze.
These two together… truly test my patience.
“You’re a quarter of an hour late,” Xiao remarked, his tone carrying his usual sternness. “Still unable to avoid the flaws of mortals.”
“I—” Ganyu started, only to be swiftly interrupted by Xiao.
“There’s no need to explain or offer excuses,” Xiao said curtly. “I’m merely here to assist with your training.”
“Speaking of training,” Lumine interjected with a teasing grin, “we just came from Cloud Retainer’s place, and she told us all kinds of stories about your childhood, Ganyu. Xiao, do you want to hear them?”
Lumine held up a notebook as if to share the details, but Ganyu quickly turned crimson and pressed her hand over it.
“Traveler… please don’t do such embarrassing things!”
“…”
Xiao fell silent for a moment, then said, “You are neither adeptus nor human. Walking this path, it’s natural to feel conflicted. If you truly wish to cultivate yourself, you must first confront your own heart.”
Without waiting for a response, Xiao addressed Ganyu. “Complete the tasks I assigned you. Perhaps by seeking breakthroughs in the physical realm, you’ll find some clarity for your soul’s confusion.”
“And what about us?” Lumine raised her hand. “Can we join the training too?”
Xiao remained silent, his expression unchanging.
“Do as you wish,” he said at last, brushing his sleeve and turning to leave. Before he could step away, Jia Changjiang and Lumine flanked him, each grabbing one of his arms.
“You two…?” Xiao tried to shake them off but was stopped by their synchronized question:
“Xiao, are you coming to the Lantern Rite Festival?”
“That little girl invited you before, didn’t she?”
Xiao managed to free himself from their grip and stepped back.
“Such disrespect to an adeptus… Release me!”
Once he was free, Xiao turned to face them. “The Lantern Rite is a mortal celebration. I will not attend.”
“If you wish to train, then train! There’s no need to involve me further!” Xiao’s voice, uncharacteristically, carried a trace of frustration.
“Hmph… Fine! Ganyu, let’s train together!” Lumine declared, darting off.
Jia Changjiang, however, stayed behind, standing next to Xiao.
“Why aren’t you leaving? What are you doing here?” Xiao asked, frowning.
“I don’t need breakthroughs for my soul,” Jia Changjiang replied, crossing his arms in a manner that mimicked Xiao. “Nor am I lost about anything.”
He added earnestly, “How’s your body holding up after last time? You’ve been through a lot since that fight.”
Jia Changjiang’s concern was genuine—he remembered their previous battle, during which they had eradicated a significant amount of demonic resentment.
“The hatred and resentment of gods aren’t so easily dispelled,” Xiao replied coldly.
“Really? So the real reason you won’t go to the Lantern Rite is that you’re worried your demonic karma might harm mortals?” Jia Changjiang guessed casually.
Xiao turned his head sharply. “Do not speculate about an adeptus.”
“But you won’t tell me anything, so how else am I supposed to know what you’re thinking?” Jia Changjiang retorted. “If you and the other adepti showed up in Liyue, Zhongli would probably be delighted.”
The mention of Zhongli brought a fleeting flicker of emotion to Xiao’s face before he swiftly masked it.
Jia Changjiang stayed by Xiao’s side, casually chatting about Liyue and the adepti. Xiao, though he looked away, occasionally responded in short, clipped phrases.
While chatting, Jia Changjiang activated his system interface, deciding it was time to use the prize he’d earned in Dragonspine.
The swirling vortex of the lottery spun rapidly before producing three items: two distinct swords and a mask that seemed ethereal and ever-shifting.
Jia Changjiang stared, momentarily stunned.
One of the swords appeared tangible, forged from solid steel. Its unassuming design belied the sharp, icy glint of its blade.
The other sword was dark red and ominous, its surface etched with unreadable runes that exuded a malevolent aura.
The mask seemed alive, pulsating faintly as if it were waiting for a host.
[Special item acquired: Azakana Mask. Please designate a vessel for attachment.]
A vessel for the mask? Jia Changjiang pondered, then retrieved a simple mask he had once bought in Liyue—a Kui Xing mask he’d picked up while shopping with Xiao.
[Vessel selected. Attaching…]
As he held the mask, it began to transform, emanating an almost lifelike energy.
“You still have that mask?” Xiao asked, noticing the familiar item.
“Yeah. I figured I’d wear it sometime,” Jia Changjiang replied with a shrug. “I bought it back then but never really used it.”
“… Nuo dances are not casual affairs,” Xiao said, his tone carrying rare patience. “They are an ancient form of worship and ritual.”
“Not interested in the details, huh? But you seem to know quite a lot about it,” Jia Changjiang teased.
His gaze shifted to the two swords, examining them closely.
The first sword, simple yet sharp, was called the [Wind Sword]—the weapon used by Yone, the Wind Chaser, in life.
The second sword, dark and sinister, was the [Azakana Blade], forged from the power of the demon Azakana.
Jia Changjiang remembered Yone’s story well: slain by his younger brother Yasuo, Yone had been corrupted by Azakana. But instead of succumbing, he had defeated the demon, donning its mask to become a relentless hunter of demons.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Ganyu finished their training. Ganyu approached Xiao to report, only to be stopped by him.
“No need for a report,” Xiao said, his gaze shifting toward the horizon. “Tomorrow, the training will intensify.”
He added cryptically, “As for that troublesome individual… Ganyu, you’ll handle him.”
Before anyone could question him, Xiao vanished like a gust of wind.
The “troublesome individual” soon revealed himself—a man stumbling onto the scene with wide-eyed excitement.
“By the spirit of the Geo Archon, I’ve found the adepti! Truly, I’ve found them!” the man exclaimed, practically bowing before them. “O revered immortals, please bless this humble mortal!”
“Is this the troublesome guy?” Paimon muttered, already exasperated. “Yeah, he seems annoying enough.”
Lumine and Jia Changjiang exchanged a glance, their expressions mischievous. Folding their arms, they mirrored Xiao’s demeanor, looking down at the man.
Jia Changjiang spoke first, his tone grand and lofty. “I am the Great Star-Lord! What business do you have with me?”
—
T/N: eugh this fucking guy
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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