Kapitel 30: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [30]
He was about to use his silver tongue to convince her to stop, but it was clear that Shenhe had no intention of backing down. Her spear techniques were relentless, chaining one move into the next. Without using elemental power or his "Spirit Speech," Luo Qing found it surprisingly challenging to hold his ground.
"Lord Luo Qing, should we...?"
Ovilia hesitated, uncertain whether to aid Luo Qing or retreat.
"Just go. Don't worry about me."
Luo Qing barked his command while fending off Shenhe's assault.
"I understand, Lord Luo Qing!"
Ovilia needed no further urging. Relieved to see Luo Qing's self-sacrifice, he and his team turned and bolted for the cave's entrance.
"How dare you steal the Adepti's artifacts?! You won't get away!"
Seeing her master's inventions being carried away, Shenhe's rage flared. Ignoring Luo Qing, she pivoted and charged at Ovilia's retreating group.
Luo Qing moved to intercept, but Shenhe swiftly formed a hand seal.
"Divine Edict!"
A talisman burst apart, and a spectral figure resembling Shenhe herself appeared, blocking Luo Qing's path.
"Oh, come on..."
Seeing Shenhe poised to impale Ovilia with her spear, Luo Qing watched her graceful leap through the air and muttered to himself.
"Well, you can't blame me for this…"
He shut his eyes briefly. When they opened, they were glowing with a golden slit-pupil light.
Sprit Speech: Time Zero
Suddenly, the entire cavern seemed frozen. Everything—Shenhe, her specter, even the very air—moved as if in slow motion.
Within this domain of "Time Zero," only Luo Qing could move freely.
With a swift leap, he closed the distance to Shenhe mid-air.
Stretching out his hand, he scooped her up and slung her over his shoulder, sprinting toward the depths of the cave.
Meanwhile, Ovilia, who had been bracing for Shenhe's strike, was stunned to see both his superior, Luo Qing, and the attacking woman vanish in an instant. The Adepti specter dissolved into ice crystals.
"What just happened...?"
Confusion flickered across Ovilia's face, but his survival instincts kept him running. After all, this was the domain of an Adeptus, and neither he nor his fellow soldiers stood a chance against such beings.
Lord Luo Qing, at least, was a Harbinger-in-training.
He should be able to hold his own, right?
Deep Within the Cave
Shenhe felt the world spin around her. A pressure gripped her waist, and before she could react, she was standing face-to-face with the thief she'd been fighting moments earlier—in the deepest part of the cavern.
And she was still slung over his shoulder like some maiden captured by a mountain bandit...
"Scoundrel!"
A flush rose to Shenhe's cheeks as she drove her knee into Luo Qing's back, breaking free and leaping back. Holding her spear at the ready, she regarded him warily, replaying the events in her mind.
She'd been just a moment away from striking down the thieves stealing her master's creations. How had this man suddenly carried her to the back of the cave?
There hadn't been any signs of a teleportation formation...
She glanced at the cave entrance, knowing that if she wanted to pursue the fleeing intruders, she'd have to deal with this man first.
"Ghostly Soul, follow the decree!"
With another talisman, Shenhe summoned the spectral figure again, icy energy swirling around her. The specter and Shenhe both readied their spears, eyes fixed on Luo Qing.
The blue glow of her Vision flared as a massive surge of Cryo energy enveloped her weapon.
Shenhe and the specter darted in from opposite sides, their spears aimed straight at Luo Qing.
Yet, just as they closed in, Shenhe noticed something—Luo Qing's eyes had changed. The originally dark irises had shifted to a searing gold, like molten sunlight.
In the next instant, he vanished, reappearing behind her. Her attack had been effortlessly evaded.
Shenhe froze, cold fury flashing in her eyes. The red ropes binding her body seemed to tremble, barely holding back the raging bloodlust within her.
"She's really mad now..."
Luo Qing thought, feeling a pang of guilt. He hated when women got angry—it was always tricky to handle. One wrong word, and the situation would only escalate.
"Miss Shenhe, how about we stop fighting for a moment and let me explain?" he offered, trying to sound reasonable.
"Explain? Hmph! There's nothing to explain, you rogue!"
Shenhe's voice dripped with disdain as the Cryo energy around her surged even higher.
After exchanging blows twice, she understood that Luo Qing possessed some sort of high-speed movement ability—so fast that even her eyes couldn't track him.
If her spear couldn't hit him, she'd freeze the entire cave and see where he could hide.
She stepped forward, and a concentrated burst of Cryo energy erupted from her. In an instant, everything around Shenhe began to freeze, ice spreading rapidly in all directions.
"Oh no... she's really using her ultimate move now."
Luo Qing winced. This massive Cryo attack was going to be troublesome. If he got too close, he'd end up encased in ice. If he retreated, Shenhe might catch up with Ovilia's team.
"Guess it's time to try... this."
Still within the domain of "Time Zero," Luo Qing flicked his fingers. A tiny spike of Geo energy formed in the shape of a pebble, and he flicked it towards Shenhe's forehead.
The force was precisely measured—just enough to disrupt her concentration without causing any harm.
There was a faint thud.
Shenhe's head jerked back, a tiny red mark blooming on her forehead.
Her spell fizzled, the spreading ice abruptly halting.
"You... you scoundrel..."
Shenhe's eyes widened at the small rock on the ground before glaring at Luo Qing.
[+1 Frustration from Shenhe]
[+1 Frustration from Shenhe]
[+1 Frustration from Shenhe]...
This frustration meter was basically an anger gauge. Watching the numbers climb, Luo Qing's heart sank.
The way Shenhe was staring at him... it was as if she wanted to crush him into dust.
Luo Qing took a deep breath, then spoke in a calm tone.
"Miss Shenhe, I admit, grabbing your waist was out of line. Can we call it even and be friends now?"
Shenhe said nothing. Her response was to hurl her spear at him with all her might.
Luo Qing sidestepped effortlessly.
Missed.
Dodged.
Easy.
...
The spear clattered to the ground. Shenhe didn't make any move to retrieve it, instead standing still like a sulking child. The two of them just stood there, staring at each other, neither making the next move.
Although Shenhe was inherently hot-tempered, it didn't mean she was foolish. Through their brief exchanges, she'd come to realize the truth—this man's strength far exceeded her own.
If he truly wanted to, she'd be at his mercy.
They remained locked in a silent standoff for a while.
Finally, Luo Qing decided enough was enough. He cleared his throat and spoke.
"Miss Shenhe, I apologize for any offense today. The next time you visit Liyue Harbor, I, Li Feiyu, will make amends properly!"
With that, he activated "Time Zero" once more and vanished from the cavern.
Leaving Shenhe alone, standing in the cave's depths, lost in thought.
---
T/N: That dastardly Li Feiyu struck again!
Kapitel 31: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [31]
After lingering alone for a while, Shenhe picked up her spear and returned to the Adeptus abode she shared with her master.
The Cloud Retainer, in her crane form, was tinkering with a small mechanical device, her wings infused with adeptal energy. Sensing Shenhe's return, she continued fiddling with the contraption, her tone casual.
"You're back? What happened at the storage area?"
Shenhe glanced at the small mechanism her master was adjusting and lowered her voice.
"A group of thieves broke into your storage, Master. They stole many of your inventions."
"What?!"
The Cloud Retainer's wings twitched, causing the mechanical parts she was holding with adeptal power to fall to the ground. Her beady eyes widened in fury.
"How dare some miscreants steal my inventions?!"
It took her a while to calm down. Folding her wings back, she spoke in a gentler tone.
"Did you encounter them?"
"Yes... I'm sorry, Master. Their leader was strong. I couldn't stop them."
"Forget it. They were just some old artifacts. As long as you weren't hurt, it doesn't matter. Go and rest for now."
The Cloud Retainer was about to return to her tinkering when she noticed Shenhe standing still, seemingly lost in thought. Sighing, she set down the mechanism and looked at her disciple with concern.
"You look troubled. Would you like to tell me what's on your mind?"
"Master... I want to go down the mountain."
"Down the mountain?"
The Cloud Retainer blinked, momentarily stunned.
She knew Shenhe had once secretly descended the mountain for some unknown reason, only to return shortly after with a troubled expression.
Now, she was asking to go down the mountain again—and this time, she was telling her openly. Could it be that her disciple's heart had started to open up?
"What brought this on all of a sudden?"
"I... I want to find someone."
Shenhe's voice was low, her expression a mix of conflicting emotions—anger, and perhaps a hint of embarrassment.
"Someone? The thieves who stole from my storage?"
"Yes..."
The Cloud Retainer nodded slightly, believing she understood Shenhe's motives.
Her disciple had always had a fierce nature, and it was likely that she had been bested in a fight and now wanted to reclaim her pride.
"Did he hurt you? Or perhaps insult you? Tell me, and I shall avenge you!"
"No, neither..." Shenhe shook her head.
"Then what happened? Speak clearly."
"He... he grabbed my waist..."
"...?"
Several Days Later
After leaving Jueyun Karst, Luo Qing did not reunite with Ovilia's team. Once he confirmed their safe departure, he returned to Liyue on his own.
The journey to Jueyun Karst had taken nearly two months, most of it spent on the road—a significant waste of time, in Luo Qing's opinion.
With all that time, I could've gone fishing with Zhongli a dozen times.
Damn it, Childe... you owe me for this.
Finally back in his room, Luo Qing gazed out at the ocean view and spoke calmly.
"So, Natalia, what's been happening in Liyue while I was away?"
"Lord Luo Qing," Natalia began, "ever since the death of the Geo Archon, the Qixing have been consolidating their power. They've nearly taken control of all Liyue's affairs. And..."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing in a lower voice.
"Rumor has it that the hidden Adepti have also heard of the Archon's death. They're planning to return to Liyue to confront the Qixing. Some of them have already arrived, and they'll likely head to the Jade Chamber soon to demand answers."
"So, quite a bit happened in these two months..." Luo Qing muttered, shaking his head. He suddenly noticed that their usual trio was missing a member. Confused, he asked, "Where's Igor? I sent him to keep an eye on that Traveler. Why isn't he here to report?"
"Uh... Lord Luo Qing, Igor was discovered a few days ago while monitoring the Traveler..."
"He was caught? Did he mention my name?"
Luo Qing's urgency was palpable. Although his surveillance of Lumine was mainly to keep track of events, it would be difficult to explain his intentions if discovered.
"No, he didn't. In a panic, he claimed he was a long-time admirer of the Traveler and that his strong desires led him to follow and... uh... spy on her. The Millelith arrested him for harassment. I think they said he'll be detained for half a month, so he should be out in a few days."
Luo Qing's expression grew complicated. Well, that's... clever of him, I suppose, he thought, appreciating how Igor had deftly avoided implicating him.
I'll have to give him a raise when he gets out...
"By the way, Lord Luo Qing, that secretary of the Qixing... Ganyu, I believe, came by once while you were away. She seemed to have something she wanted to confirm with you."
"Hm, Ganyu?"
Luo Qing was puzzled. She didn't recognize me last time we met. Why would she seek me out now?
Oh well, I'll deal with that later if we cross paths again.
"Also, has the Traveler returned?"
"Yes, her wanted notice has been withdrawn. It seems the Adepti pressured the Qixing into backing down..." Natalia hesitated briefly before continuing.
"Additionally, the Traveler visited Lord Childe shortly after her return. They seemed to have made some sort of agreement and even had dinner with your fishing buddy, Zhongli."
"Got it. Understood."
Luo Qing stood, stretching with a yawn.
"You've all worked hard while I was away. Take a break; I'll handle things from here."
With that, he left the room.
Since Lumine had already met with Childe and Zhongli, it meant they were likely preparing for the Rite of Parting.
Given his close bond with Zhongli, Luo Qing figured he could seamlessly insert himself into their group and interact with Lumine more directly.
Heading out, he walked downstairs, turned right, passed through the commercial street's red wooden pavilions, and made another right turn—arriving at the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
To find out Zhongli's whereabouts, all he needed to do was ask the head of Wangsheng, Hu Tao.
It had been a while, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor seemed busier than when Luo Qing had left, with more attendants present. The once nearly empty parlor, home only to Zhongli and Hu Tao, now bustled with activity.
Scanning the room, Luo Qing didn't see Hu Tao's distinctive hat and twin ponytails. He pulled aside one of the attendants.
"Where's your boss, Hu Tao?"
"Lady Hu Tao went to Wuwang Hill recently. She should be back in a few days."
"She went to Wuwang Hill?"
Luo Qing paused, wondering if Hu Tao's legendary quest had begun.
But it's too early in the timeline for that...
Unable to make sense of it, he decided not to dwell on the matter. Hu Tao would return sooner or later, and then he could ask her directly.
Unlike Sumeru, Liyue lacked any advanced communication network. Most people relied on the power of their voices, and it was genuinely hard to contact someone who was away.
Leaving Wangsheng, Luo Qing was at a loss, unsure where to find Lumine and the others.
He wandered aimlessly through the bustling commercial street, but there was no sign of Lumine's group.
Luo Qing was considering returning to Childe for information when he heard female voices nearby.
Looking up, he saw Ganyu and Shenhe walking side by side, chatting as they approached him.
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