Bab 56: Pokemon Arcanine and Dragon air
After much hesitation, Xiao decided to enter the New Century Comic Book Store. He wanted to see if what the owner was saying was really true. Since this owner could open a comic book store in Liyue Harbor, then the Liyue Qixing must also know about it. They might have even come over to check it out.
After all, Liyue Harbor is currently being managed by the Liyue Qixing. If this New Century Comic Book Store had any ulterior motives, the Liyue Qixing would not allow its existence.
"In that case, I'll go into the comic book store and see what these so-called comics are all about," Xiao said.
"I should tell you upfront, it's 10,000 Mora to read a comic once," Takarou reminded him.
"10,000 Mora?" Xiao frowned. Indeed, everything comes at a cost.
However, he could afford 10,000 Mora. If it were several tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of Mora, then he would be strapped for cash. Xiao took off his money bag and handed it to Takarou.
"Mr. Owner, there is 10,000 Mora in here."
"Hmm, then please come in."
Noelle, who was cleaning, saw that the owner had brought back a guest after a trip out. This guest, although handsome, had tattoos that made Noelle feel uneasy.
"Noelle, this is one of the Three-Eyed Five Saintly Exalted, the Demon Suppressing Mighty adepti, Xiao."
"A Saint?"
"Mr. Xiao, you're a adepti?" Upon hearing the owner's words, Noelle widened her eyes.
She had never seen a adepti before, and she didn't expect to meet one while working at the New Century Comic Book Store.
Wait, Ganyu was also a adepti. But Ganyu was half-human, half-adepti.
"Yes, I am indeed a adepti." Xiao nodded, his face calm.
"Alright, Noelle, Xiao is like that."
"If you want to read comics and want to obtain revival tools, then I can recommend you to read Pokemon."
"If you can get the Phoenix King (Ho-Oh), then you can let it revive the deceased."
"But whether you can get it or not depends on your luck." Takarou emphasized over and over again.
"The Phoenix King (Ho-Oh) ?" Xiao quietly noted the name.
If the Phoenix King(Ho-Oh) really did possess the ability to revive the deceased as Mr. Owner said, then for his friends, brothers, and sisters, he would be willing to come to the comic book store to read comics every day.
Every time, he would read Pokemon! However, he understood what Takarou was saying. After all, even the God of Liyue, the Geo Archon, did not have the power to revive his friends. Even if he read the Pokemon comic book, it would likely be very difficult to obtain it. But even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance, he was willing to try!
"Mr. Owner, I'll read Pokemon!" Xiao became very serious.
"The comics are on the bookshelf, each comic has its name written on it. Also, the store's rule is, you can only read a comic once a day, and you cannot take the comics out of the store."
"Alright, I understand." Xiao then went to the bookshelf, found Pokemon, picked up the comic, and started reading.
It's safe to say that this was the first time Xiao had read a comic of this type. As soon as he started reading the comic, he was attracted by the plot inside. He didn't expect that in Pokemon, people could capture wild creatures to become their own Pokemon. And they could also command these Pokemon to fight. What surprised Xiao even more was that the Pokemon here could actually evolve.
"Moreover, after each evolution, they become even more powerful."
The more Xiao read, the more interested he became. Eventually, Xiao reluctantly closed the comic book, as he had finished reading it. Xiao put the Pokemon comic book back on the shelf, then came over to Takarou.
"Customer Xiao, reading reward (Pokemon): Arcanine."
A flash of white light passed, and a Pokemon resembling a large dog appeared. It had fluffy flaxen fur that covered its face. Its eyes turned brown, and its body had tiger-like black and orange stripes. Fur was wrapped around its feet, and it had a long tail. When it ran, its body seemed to blend with the wind, looking quite majestic.
The Arcanine looked like a stone lion. Its fur was ash-black, and the hair on top of its head formed a horn. The fur around its neck spread out like petals, with red fur in the middle. Its tail was pointed upward, and there was also fur wrapped around its feet. Arcanine was a majestic Pokemon in ancient Eastern legends,
There are long-standing tales that it once fought alongside a certain warlord and helped govern a nation. Despite the numerous legends, it was considered a legendary Pokemon, but it was surprisingly commonly sighted. Its magnificent mane fascinated countless people, and many were charmed by its graceful running posture. From ancient times, it has been a beautiful Pokemon that captured many hearts.
Its majestic roar was filled with dignity. Whoever heard it would involuntarily kneel. The sight of it gallantly running across the plains was even recorded in ancient scrolls. It could use the blazing flames within its body as energy to sprint across the earth, running as lightly as if it were flying. It is said to be a fast Pokemon that can run a distance of 5000 kilometers day and night.
Arcanine would wrap its teeth in fiercely burning flames to pounce on its prey. Despite its large size, it could use agile feints to fool its enemies, dancing like a performer.
"Woof! Woof!" The moment Arcanine appeared, it couldn't help but bark.
Looking at this Pokemon that looked like a dog, Xiao was naturally curious.
"Mr. Owner, this Pokemon..."
"Its name is Arcanine. Although 'wind' is in its name, its attribute is not wind, but fire."
"But it's very fast. In a day and night, it can run 5,000 kilometers."
"Such a fast speed?"
Xiao was somewhat surprised, he didn't expect that Pokemon could be so strong. The only regret was that the reward he received was not the Phoenix King (Ho-Oh). But this Arcanine.
"Woof~"
Arcanine came to Xiao's side, sensing his low mood, it rubbed its body against Xiao's. Seeing this Pokemon actually comforting him, Xiao's heart warmed.
'Forget it, if it's not the Phoenix King (Ho-Oh), then it's not. Anyway, I still have time, worst comes to worst, I'll come to the New Century every day to read comics.'
"After all, this is a reward I received, and it's a Pokemon. From now on, I'll have a companion by my side."
Is Xiao lonely guarding the Dihua Marsh alone?
He definitely is. But now that he has Arcanine, Takarou believes that Xiao's future days should become much more cheerful. Xiao reached out his hand, petting Arcanine's head. Arcanine, feeling Xiao's touch, closed its eyes in enjoyment.
"Mr. Owner, about the Geo Archon..."
Now that he had read the comic and received his reward, Xiao hadn't forgotten that Takarou said he would tell him about the Geo Archon .
_____
"Actually, the Geo Archon did not die."
"Mr. Owner, you're saying the Geo Archon didn't die!!!" Xiao was shocked upon hearing Takarou's words. If the Geo Archon didn't perish, then why would he do such a thing?
(And if the Geo Archon wasn't harmed, then the rumors that the Seven Stars of Liyue Harbor plotted against him are debunked. When the three-eyed adepti arrive at Liyue, considering the disposition of adepti like Cloud Retainer, if they really suppress Liyue Harbor, wouldn't that disrupt the Geo Archon's scheme? No, he must stop the other adepti to prevent them from directly suppressing Liyue Harbor.)
"But why would the Geo Archon do this?" Xiao, filled with questions, looked at Takarou.
"Have you noticed how Liyue Harbor is flourishing more than ever, especially since your last visit here?" Instead of answering Xiao's question, Takarou replied with a question.
"Indeed, Liyue Harbor is now more prosperous than ever before. But what does that have to do with the Geo Archon?"
"Perhaps the Geo Archon grew tired of being the Geo Archon, or perhaps he felt that Liyue Harbor no longer needed his annual divine decrees. So, he decided to feign death during the 'Calling of the adepti', and observe how the Seven Stars of Liyue react without him, assessing their ability to continue governing Liyue."
"I see, the Geo Archon must have a profound reason for doing so!" Xiao, enlightened by Takarou's explanation, began to understand and empathize with the Geo Archon's actions.
"However, I suggest you not to tell the other adepti about this."
"Don't tell them? But... Cloud Retainer said that they intend to suppress Liyue Harbor directly and have the adepti take over."
"Heh. adepti, a group that hides in the mountains, has little contact with the affairs of Liyue Harbor."
"Even if the adepti truly took over Liyue Harbor, do they genuinely believe they could make Liyue Harbor even more prosperous? And if the adepti suppress Liyue Harbor, how many people will die?"
From the start, the Geo Archon had the Seven Stars established rather than having the adepti govern Liyue Harbor. The Geo Archon always intended for Liyue to be governed by humans, not adepti. After all, Liyue is not only a nation for the adepti, but also for humans. Human governance is best.
If the adepti were to govern Liyue, the people might be too intimidated by their authority to seek help. After all, adepti are prideful. They might not lower their heads to assist humans in trivial matters.
Therefore, having humans govern humans is the best option. Takarou left these thoughts unspoken, knowing Xiao may not fully understand them.
"Do you think the Geo Archon wouldn't pay attention to these matters?"
"If the Seven Stars of Liyue can stand firm without fear of the adepti, then they will be able to maintain their foothold in Liyue Harbor, even after the Geo Archon's departure."
"If the adepti truly suppress Liyue Harbor, the Geo Archon will undoubtedly intervene."
"After all, it relates to the Geo Archon's plans, and he won't let the adepti disrupt them."
"Moreover, the Seven Stars are not weak. Ningguang may be a merchant, but her strategic planning and vision are excellent."
"Actually, Ningguang can handle the adepti even if they come to her,"
"So, what you need to do is not to interfere and don't tell the other adepti about this. Just let the Liyue Seven Stars handle it."
"Okay, Mr. Owner, I understand."
"Knowing that the Lord of geo hasn't passed away, I feel relieved all at once."
"Mr. Owner, thank you for telling me this."
"But why would you tell me alone?"
"Because you just happened to be here and you're different from the other adepti."
"You have always protected Dihua Isle according to your contract with the lord of geo."
"Compared to other adepti, you did not retreat into the mountains, but chose to stay at the Wangshu Inn, protecting the people of Dihua Isle, and slaying the monsters that appeared there."
"You are the one among the other adepti who is closest to humans."
"After observing for so many years, what do you think of humans?"
"People are both good and bad. Over the years, I've seen many people. Some people would dispute over a little money."
"Some people can't stand others being better than them and become jealous."
"Some people do things that are outrageous."
"Some people..."
"But even though I've met these kinds, there are more good people than bad ones."
"Right, people are different from adepti. adepti can be desireless, but humans have emotions and desires."
"Although there are bad people in the world, there are more good people than bad ones."
"Do you think that if adepti were to manage Liyue Harbor, they could do as well as humans in making Liyue Harbor more prosperous?" Upon hearing Takarou's question, Xiao fell silent.
After pondering for a while, he finally spoke, "Mr. Owner, if adepti were to take over Liyue Harbor, I believe it wouldn't be better than being managed by humans."
"Correct, that's why the Geo archon, seeing that Liyue Harbor is becoming more and more prosperous, wants to usher in an era of human governance in Liyue."
"But in this way, won't people be... if they see the Geo archon again in the future?"
"They won't, because the current Geo archon is already gone. Even if another Geo archon appears, people will think it's a new one."
"They will still respect and worship the Geo archon!" Xiao suddenly realized. He looked at Takarou, stood up, and bowed to him. After Takarou's explanation, he understood everything.
Now, knowing that the Geo archon has not passed away, he is also relieved.
"The upcoming situation in Liyue Harbor will become more turbulent. You adepti can choose to not intervene, or you can choose to intervene, it's all up to you."
"Turbulent? Mr. Owner, are you referring to the sea?" Xiao came to Liyue Harbor and also sensed some presences.
Although this presence was weak, Xiao knew that it was the aura of monsters. If there are monsters around Liyue Harbor, then it would naturally be the Guyun Stone Forest. Takarou just smiled and didn't answer. He had said a lot today, and the next things are for Xiao and the others to investigate on their own.
"Liyue is not only the land of adepti, but also the land of the people."
"Everyone in this country of Liyue is an indispensable part."
"Sometimes, it's worth to take a look at the people of Liyue. You will find that although they are ordinary people, they can also work together to overcome difficulties in certain matters."
_____
"Mr. Owner, I have learned a lot."
"What I had to say, I've said. From now on, if you want to read comics, the New Century Comic Shop is always open to you."
"However, you can only read one comic per day."
"Alright, Mr. Owner, I will come another day to continue reading comics."
"Well, Mr. Owner, I won't bother you anymore, I will take my leave."
"Mm." Xiao nodded, then left the New Century Comic Shop with Arcanine.
"Boss, you just said that the Geo Archon has not passed away, is that true?"
'Noelle, do you think I, as the owner of the New Century Comic Shop, would deliberately deceive an adeptus?'
"Besides, deceiving him wouldn't benefit our comic shop in any way."
"That's true, boss, I'm sorry for doubting you." Noelle apologized with an embarrassed look.
"It's alright. Even if I told anyone about this, they wouldn't fully believe it."
"I guess, right now, Xiao only trusts about fifty or sixty percent of what I said."
"But after Liyue Harbor overcomes this crisis, he will trust me one hundred percent."
"So boss, since the Geo Archon hasn't passed away, what is he doing now?"
"He? He's probably somewhere waiting for the Traveler."
"Waiting for the Traveler? He is the Geo Archon, why wait for the Traveler? Does the Traveler possess something that the Geo Archon would pay attention to?"
"Haha, not all gods are aloof. For example, the wind god of Mondstadt, he walks among the people, and has another identity, that is Venti, the bard and the Geo Archon also has an identity to walk among the people, next time he comes to the New Century Comic Shop to read comics, you'll know."
'Oh, so gods come to the New Century Comic Shop to read comics?' On the other side, Xiao returned to Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer with Arcanine.
"Exorcist, you're back. Who is this?"
Cloud Retainer, seeing the Exorcist return, and with him a creature that looked like a dog, was greatly puzzled.
After all, when the Exorcist left, he didn't bring any other animals. Yet when he returned, he had such a strange species with him.
"This is the reward I got from reading comics at the New Century Comic Shop."
"It's name is Arcanine." Xiao told the three adepti about Arcanine's abilities. Mountain Shaper was greatly puzzled when he heard the Exorcist's words.
"Oh, I didn't expect this species called Arcanine to be a reward from a comic shop."
"And you just have to read comics to get rewards?"
This made Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and the other adeptus curious about the New Century Comic Shop. They planned to visit the New Century Comic Shop to read comics after dealing with the situation in Liyue Harbor.
Especially Cloud Retainer, she was deep in thought looking at Arcanine. If she could also get a Pokémon, wouldn't she have someone to chat with in her cave?
"Alright, let's not think about this for now. Let's discuss how to suppress Liyue Harbor." Mountain Shaper looked at Cloud Retainer, the Exorcist and the other adeptus.
"Exorcist, you just went to Liyue Harbor, how do you think we should suppress Liyue Harbor?"
Even though Xiao knew that the Geo Archon hadn't passed away, he had promised Takarou that he wouldn't tell the other three adepti. He thought for a moment and responded, "Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, do you find the current Liyue Harbor prosperous?"
"To say it's prosperous, the current Liyue Harbor is indeed more prosperous than before."
"But, what does this have to do with us?"
"Back in the day, although the emperor had no intention of competing for supremacy, he was aware of the hardships of the people. Therefore, he led the adepti and the Thousand Qixing Army to defeat the demons that appeared in Liyue, giving Liyue a thousand years of peace."
"Now, Liyue, under the management of the Liyue Seven Stars and the people, is getting better and better."
"Regarding the news of the Lord of geo death, I didn't believe it from the beginning."
"Because the lord of geo is so powerful, how could the Liyue Seven Stars possibly assassinate him just by their power?"
'If we don't investigate this matter thoroughly and directly suppress Liyue Harbor, won't the current prosperity of Liyue Harbor be lost?'
"The lord of geo guides the people with divine decrees every year, telling them what to do in the next year."
'It can be said that the current prosperity of Liyue Harbor has a lot to do with the lord of geo.'
"If we directly suppress Liyue Harbor, I believe the lord of geo will be very sad if he finds out."
"After all, this is what the lord of geo and the people of Liyue Harbor have worked hard to build."
"Do the two of you think what I said is correct?" Cloud Retainer looked at the other two.
Mountain Shaper: "I think what he said makes some sense. However, no matter what, the lord of geo was killed during the celestial ceremony. As adepti, we should question the Liyue Seven Stars. But, we can also investigate first to see if this matter has anything to do with the Liyue Seven Stars, or if it's a plot by others."
Mountain Shaper: "Hmm, I also agree. In that case, let's not look for the Liyue Seven Stars for now, let's investigate this matter in Liyue Harbor first. What about you, Cloud Retainer?"
"Since you all have said so, I naturally have to investigate it too." Cloud Retainer said arrogantly.
Seeing the three adepti not intending to suppress Liyue Harbor immediately, he couldn't help but sigh in relief.
.....
Meanwhile, Ningguang also received the news.
'Oh, I didn't expect the four adepti to have arrived in Liyue Harbor already, and Xiao even went to the New Century Comic Shop, I just don't know what Mr. Owner and Xiao talked about.'
"Ningguang gave up on suppressing Liyue Harbor with the other adepti."
Although Ningguang didn't know, no matter what, it was a good thing for Liyue Harbor and the Liyue Seven Stars that the adepti didn't directly suppress Liyue Harbor.
After all, the current Liyue Harbor is not calm on the sea. If the adepti suppressed Liyue Harbor at this time, they would have to negotiate with the adepti while also being cautious of the sea. If the sea monsters really appeared at that time. Then Liyue Harbor would be in internal and external troubles.
"It seems I need to thank Mr. Owner." A smile appeared at the corner of Ningguang's mouth.
On the other side, Lumine and Paimon also arrived at the marked location on the map. When they arrived here, they found many fools.
"Wow, so many fools! They are actually here, this must be the place where the fools research the [Book of All Forbidden]!"
"Lumine, I'll leave it to you next!"
______
Lumine nodded, took out her sword, and attacked the group of fools.
"It's the enemy!"
The fools, seeing strangers arrive and attack without saying anything, prepared to fight back.
After a while... When Lumine had dealt with the fools, she stepped onto a ladder and started looking for clues.
"Huh, Lumine, look over there, there seems to be something!"
Paimon flew into the air, noticing several talismans and stacks of blank paper on top of a wooden box. Lumine hurried over when she heard Paimon's voice.
"There are so many talismans and stacks of blank paper here, what could they be for?" Paimon wondered.
Lumine studied them carefully, then said, "It looks like they were copying the patterns on the talismans, probably trying to replicate the real thing."
"The pattern here... It looks familiar..."
"I remember now, the [Book of All Forbidden] that Childe gave you also looked like this."
"Hmm... It's rather suspicious that a token related to the adepti ended up in Childe's hands."
"And it's not just the [token]..."
"Right, Cloud Retainer said that when the Geo Archon created the [Book of All Forbidden], it wasn't meant to be a token."
"The original use of these talismans was in the Archon War, to exert divine power..."
Are these fools trying to replicate the [Book of All Forbidden] in order to harness similar effects?
The effect of exerting divine power in war... Sounds very dangerous. Lumine contemplated, then said, "It seems the fools have a big plan, and the one Childe gave me is probably just a byproduct of that plan."
Paimon scratched her head: "It's really complicated... In any case, we should be more cautious of Childe in the future."
"Alright, we've spent quite some time here, it's almost time to meet Zhongli."
The last stop of the 'Celestial Offering' journey... It's in Dihua Marsh, right? Let's go, we don't want to be late. Lumine and Paimon went to Dihua Marsh to find Zhongli.
Meanwhile, at the New Century Comic Shop, Keqing arrived. Since her last visit to the New Century Comic Shop where she received the wristwatch anesthesia gun, Keqing had tested it and found it very useful.
Having finished her tasks, she now had time to visit the New Century Comic Shop to continue reading comics.
"Mr. Owner." As soon as Keqing entered the shop, she greeted Takarou.
"Oh, it's Keqing."
"Noelle, this is Keqing, one of the Liyue Seven Stars."
"Miss Keqing, hello." Upon hearing the owner's words, Noelle greeted Keqing.
Seeing a young girl in the shop dressed as a maid, Keqing was slightly taken aback.
"Noelle, hello, may I ask you..." Seeing Keqing's puzzled expression, Noelle smiled.
"Miss Keqing, I am an employee of the New Century Comic Shop."
"Employee?"
"Mr. Owner, you actually hired an employee for your shop?"
"Doing everything myself was getting too tiring. Now that I have hired an employee, things are much more convenient." Takarou laughed.
"Keqing, are you here to read comics today?"
"Yes, I just finished my work recently and I happened to be free today, so I came to read some comics."
"Last time I obtained a wristwatch-type anaesthetic gun from Mr. Owner's store, I used it and found it to be very effective."
'Oh, is that so? Then you can check out other types of comics today.'
"Sure, Mr. Owner, I understand."
"Here, this is ten thousand Mora." Keqing placed ten thousand Mora on the counter, and then went to select comics.
Last time, she saw Ningguang acquiring a Digimon name Gabumon. For Keqing, she also wanted an animal similar to the one that Ningguang obtained. In this way, she would have a little companion accompanying her when she went out.
In the end, Keqing chose a Pokémon comic book. After making her selection, Keqing found a spot and began to read. Meanwhile, Noelle prepared a beverage and placed it beside Keqing.
After a while, Keqing finished reading Pokémon, and she returned the comic book to the shelf. She then approached Takarou.
[Customer Keqing, upon completing reading (Pokémon), has earned a reward: Dragon air.]
A flash of white light, and a creature resembling a snake, appeared before Keqing. Looking at this strange creature, Keqing was full of questions.
At this point, Takarou explained "Its name is Dragon air. It's a long, snake-like Pokémon, with a slender body covered in sapphire-blue scales, and a white underbelly. It has a pair of bright, black eyes, a small white horn on its forehead, and two small wings on the sides of its head. There are three crystal-like blue orbs on Dragon air' body—one at the end of its neck, and two at the end of its tail. Dragon air inhabits beautiful seas or lakes, and it is known as a sacred Pokémon. Even without wings, it has occasionally been spotted flying in the sky, using its power to manipulate the weather to rise into the sky. It is said that if one can see it twisting its body in flight at the New Year, then one will be healthy for the year. According to eyewitness accounts, Dragon air emits a mysterious aura. It stores tremendous energy inside its body, which it can focus into the crystal-like orbs on its neck and tail to manipulate the weather. When it's covered in this aura, it faintly glows, and the weather around it will suddenly change. From ancient times, it has been worshipped by farmers as a controller of the weather. People believe it can manipulate weather, so offerings are continuously made to it in the lakes where Dragon air resides"
"A dragon?"
After hearing Takarou's introduction, Keqing looked at Dragon air. You must know, there is also a dragon in Liyue, but that dragon is the Geo Archon. Keqing didn't expect to actually get a dragon herself!
"Indeed, it is a kind of dragon and it will continue to evolve."
"But it's not like the Geo Archon's dragon form."
"As for what it will evolve into, you'll understand when it does." Dragon air looked at Keqing, then flew towards her.
However, when it was flying, the two wings on the sides of its head grew significantly larger. Watching this little fellow fly with the wings on its head, dragging its long body behind it, Keqing found it amusing. However, this little creature was certainly cute.
"You've acquired Dragon air. You can keep it in the sea area of Liyue."
"But once you've made up your mind, you need to tell Dragon air in advance not to attack passing ships."
"You better also inform those at Liyue Harbor who set sail, so they don't mistake Dragon air for a demon."
"Otherwise, it can easily cause panic."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Otaku_Weaboo
Otaku_Weaboo Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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