Chapter 200: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [200]
Near the Tanit Tribe in the Desert
After deciding to head to the desert to generate frustration points, Luo Qing wasted no time. The next morning, he and his subordinates set out toward the Tanit Tribe.
Because Theresa's emotions were still unstable after her heartfelt confession the previous night, Luo Qing entrusted her to Makoto. He wasn't sure if "care for her" or "train her" was the better term, but he also lent Makoto Rosalyne's simulated mask for the time being.
Aside from the two of them, everyone else accompanied Luo Qing to the desert.
The desert tribes often collaborated with the Fatui, so it wasn't difficult for Luo Qing to gather information about their camps. A simple inquiry with Catherine had provided details on most of the tribes and even the precise locations of their settlements.
Several days later, they arrived at their destination: the Tanit Camp.
As a major branch of the Eremites, the Tanit Camp housed a significant number of mercenaries. Its remote and harsh location made it an ideal target for Luo Qing's plans.
Even if things got messy, it wouldn't matter much.
---
Standing at the edge of a deep canyon, Luo Qing compared the scene to the map in his hands. Confirming the location, he turned to his subordinates and spoke in a calm voice.
"We're here. You all remember your assignments, right?"
"Yes, Lord Luo Qing," Natalia and the others replied respectfully.
"Yes, Master," Rosalyne added with a slight nod.
All of them wore identical grinning masks, matching Luo Qing's signature look. The effect was both imposing and eerie.
Luo Qing had briefed them on the mission beforehand, explaining their purpose:
They were here to "bring knowledge and education" to the desert people.
And if the tribes didn't cooperate...
Well, a little violence would get the message across.
"Good. These people are tough and ruthless, so don't let your guard down. If you're in danger, use a healing capsule immediately. Got it?"
"Yes, Lord Luo Qing!"
Luo Qing wasn't worried about Rosalyne—her Vision and cursed flames made her formidable. However, Natalia and the others, aside from the firearms he'd provided, were essentially ordinary people and vulnerable to desert trickery.
He had no intention of losing his subordinates in the desert.
After giving his instructions, Luo Qing stowed the map in his system inventory and led the group toward the Tanit Camp.
---
As they approached the edge of the canyon ruins, a group of Eremite mercenaries intercepted them.
"Who are you? This is Tanit territory. Outsiders are forbidden!"
The leader drew his curved blade, pointing it at Luo Qing's group.
"Relax," Luo Qing said, spreading his hands with a disarming smile.
"We're here on behalf of the Akademiya. Our mission is to improve your educational system and bring you the gift of knowledge."
"Knowledge... what?"
The leader gave Luo Qing a skeptical once-over, noting the group's mismatched appearance. While Luo Qing and his subordinates wore Akademiya robes, the strange masks on some of them raised questions.
"Hah! Do you take us for fools? We don't need your pity or charity. Get lost, or we'll bury you in the sand!"
The leader's voice was cold and disdainful.
The Tanit Tribe had their own ways of acquiring knowledge, including smuggling books. Some of their members were more well-read than the Akademiya scholars tethered to their Void Terminals.
This so-called "knowledge mission" was nothing but an insult to their intelligence.
"Don't be so quick to refuse. Come here—I'll show you something you'll definitely like."
Luo Qing gestured with one hand, as if holding something in his fist, and beckoned the leader with the other.
Curious but cautious, the leader exchanged glances with his companions. Assuming Luo Qing was about to offer a bribe, he hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
"What do you—"
Ding!
[Frustration Points +1 from Neuz Taisia.]
Before he could finish his sentence, Luo Qing delivered a solid punch to his stomach. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Of course, Luo Qing had held back. These people were walking frustration point generators—far more valuable alive than dead.
Seeing their leader collapse, the remaining two guards leveled their spears at Luo Qing and prepared to attack.
However, before they could take more than a few steps, ice suddenly formed beneath their feet, freezing them in place. Within seconds, the frost crept up their bodies, immobilizing them entirely, save for their heads.
"Now then," Luo Qing said, walking up to the frozen men with a friendly smile.
"You have two choices: take us to your matriarch, or remain here as perfect ice sculptures."
"..."
"Who are you people?" one of the guards stammered.
"Didn't I already say?" Luo Qing chuckled.
"We're from the Akademiya, here to offer our warmth and goodwill."
"..."
---
Inside the Tanit Camp
In the end, the proud desert warriors had no choice but to compromise, leading Luo Qing's group into their camp.
Though they were wary of Luo Qing's party, especially Rosalyne's Vision-wielding powers, they refrained from ambushing them outright. Instead, they escorted them to the matriarch for her judgment.
At that moment, the Tanit Tribe's matriarch, Babel, was deep in discussion with her subordinate, Azarig. She glanced up as Luo Qing and his group were brought before her.
"Azarig, who are these people?"
As the matriarch, Babel prided herself on knowing all her tribe members.
"They claim to be Akademiya envoys, here to help us establish a better educational system," Luo Qing interjected with a calm smile.
Behind him, Natalia and the others subtly spread out, two watching the interior and two guarding the exterior.
"Matriarch..."
Azarig leaned in to whisper something to Babel. With her eyes obscured by a blindfold, Luo Qing couldn't read her expression, but he caught the faint curve of her lips.
"The Akademiya..."
"Apologies, but the Tanit Tribe doesn't need the Rainforest's hollow gestures of goodwill," Babel said sharply.
"What's more, you attacked our people and still dared to show your faces before me. Am I to understand that you're not very bright?"
She shot a glance to the side, and Azarig immediately drew his weapon, pointing it at Luo Qing's group.
"Perhaps I'll trade you to the Akademiya for some valuable books."
With that, Azarig lunged at Luo Qing, blade aimed straight for him.
Before he could land a blow, Rosalyne flicked her hand, summoning a wall of ice to block the weapon.
Undeterred, Azarig shifted his target and charged at Rosalyne.
"Hmph. Foolish," Rosalyne muttered, waving her other hand. A burst of flames erupted around Azarig, blasting him into the sandstone walls of the ruins.
Though the Cryo Vision Luo Qing had given her wasn't as powerful as the Tsaritsa's authority, it was far more versatile, allowing her to wield both ice and fire with ease.
"Two elements..."
Babel frowned as she watched her trusted warrior fall so easily.
"You're not from the Akademiya, are you?"
"What difference does it make?" Luo Qing replied with a smirk.
"You don't really have a choice in the matter."
---
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Transmission complete.
Chapter 201: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [201]
Babale spoke coldly, crossing her arms as if preparing to summon her familiar.
But before she could finish her incantation, a massive, sturdy, light-yellow rock spine suddenly emerged in her field of vision and slammed into her head.
Thunk.
Her head snapped back, and she collapsed to the ground.
Before her vision blurred entirely, she vaguely heard a single sentence:
"Let's tie her up first…"
When her vision returned, she found herself tightly bound, lying in the central square of a camp.
In front of her, Luo Qing and his companions were busy writing something on a blackboard they'd procured from who-knows-where.
She instinctively wanted to get angry but paused when she heard a quiet voice beside her.
"Lady Babale, you're awake?"
"Hm?"
She turned her head and saw that nearly all members of the Tanit tribe had been bound and gathered in the square.
A commotion stirred among the crowd as they noticed their leader regain consciousness.
Luo Qing, hearing the noise, turned around. Seeing that Babale had woken up, he didn't seem surprised. Clearing his throat, he greeted the crowd with enthusiasm.
"I'm Luo Qing. Greetings to all my dear friends of the Tanit tribe!"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
[Azarig's Frustration +1]
Luo Qing, satisfied with the strong reaction from his audience, nodded approvingly and continued:
"The Akademiya has heard that, due to the harsh desert environment, you folks haven't established a proper education system.
"Grand Sage Azar is deeply concerned about this and has personally instructed us to bring you some warmth and guidance. We're here to help you build a strong learning system, improve your personal character, embrace new ideals, and become model citizens of the new era!"
"Aren't you all excited~?"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
[Azarig's Frustration +1]
[Raizda's Frustration +1]
"Lady Babale… what do we do now?" whispered one of the tribe members, unable to stand Luo Qing's infuriating grin any longer.
Many of them had been minding their own business earlier when Luo Qing and his crew suddenly approached, asking if they wanted to embrace "new ideals" and become "model citizens."
Those who dared to decline were immediately knocked unconscious and tied up. Even when others realized Luo Qing's group had come to pick a fight and tried to resist, they were easily subdued in a few moves, unable to land a single counterattack.
Some even attempted to flee, only to black out before leaving the camp.
Eventually, every member of the Tanit tribe in the camp was captured and dumped in the square together.
"For now, don't act rashly…" Babale whispered.
As someone who had climbed to her position through grit and survival, she understood the value of patience. She would wait for the right moment to take Luo Qing down.
"Yes, Lady Babale…"
Hearing her command, the Tanit tribe members quieted down and turned their attention to Luo Qing.
"To foster a strong learning environment," Luo Qing began, "I'm introducing a new schedule.
"From today onward:
Everyone must wake up at 6 a.m. sharp.
6:15—Morning exercises.
6:45—Breakfast.
8:30 p.m.—Evening exercises.
10:30 p.m.—Lights out.
"Additionally, each of you must write a daily reflection on 'new ideals,' with a minimum of 5,000 words."
By the time he finished, the Tanit tribe, including Babale, was utterly bewildered.
Was this some new form of punishment?
"Well then, if anyone has suggestions, feel free to bring them up! As your teaching director, I'll do my best to accommodate."
"Um…"
Babale raised her hand cautiously.
"I'd like to ask… what exactly are these 'new ideals' and what does it mean to become a 'model citizen'?"
Despite knowing Luo Qing's group was physically superior, Babale decided to bide her time and play along until an opportunity to counterattack presented itself.
"Ah, an excellent question from Student Babale!" Luo Qing gave her a thumbs-up, clearly pleased.
"In short, 'new ideals' mean keeping up with the times here in Teyvat. Let go of outdated traditions, avoid unnecessary scheming, be honest, treat others kindly, and foster unity. To become a 'model citizen' means working together for Sumeru's brighter future!"
"…"
The members of the Tanit tribe weren't the only ones struggling to keep their composure. Even Natalia and Rosalyne from Luo Qing's crew found it hard to suppress their reactions.
What exactly had gotten into him?
Still, recalling how the Harbinger had once described Luo Qing's talents in manipulating minds, they reasoned that this was probably part of some greater plan.
"Excuse me, Luo Qing—"
"Correction: From now on, address me as 'Teaching Director.'" Luo Qing interrupted.
"…"
"Fine… Teaching Director. The tribe still needs to hunt and trade resources to survive. This schedule might…"
"Of course, the schedule is merely a reference. Adjustments can be made as necessary…"
Hearing this, Babale felt a bit relieved. As the tribe leader, she had to ensure the tribe's daily operations continued smoothly. Otherwise, starvation was inevitable in the harsh desert.
But just as she began to relax, Luo Qing added with a grin:
"However! The daily 5,000-word reflection and morning and evening exercises are non-negotiable!"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
"Well then," Luo Qing clapped his hands, "let's start with Step One: learning the morning and evening exercises."
With a thought, the ropes binding the tribe members vanished, reabsorbed into his control.
The sudden freedom startled the Tanit tribe members. Was Luo Qing not worried about them rising up against him?
Even Babale hesitated, debating whether to rally everyone for an attack.
Before she could decide, a man from the back grabbed a weapon from the ground and charged at Luo Qing.
"You've gone too far!"
Before he could reach Luo Qing, a light-yellow rock spine materialized near his abdomen, sending him flying backward. He collapsed in a heap, unconscious and foaming at the mouth.
Everyone froze in place, swallowing nervously as they turned to look at Luo Qing.
Eyes narrowed, he smiled.
"Dear students, I strongly advise against challenging the Teaching Director. The consequences are quite severe~."
---
Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.
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