The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [368]

"Doctor Bai... Doctor Bai..."

Trapped in Hu Tao’s grasp, Qiqi struggled fruitlessly. In desperation, she stretched her small hands toward the man beside them, silently pleading for help.

"Hu Tao, it's the Lantern Rite. Why are you still pestering Qiqi?" Baizhu sighed before shifting his gaze to the approaching Zhongli. "Ah, Mr. Zhongli is here as well."

"I'm not planning to bury Qiqi today, if that's what you're worried about!" Hu Tao declared, as if completely justified. "Besides, what's wrong with enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Lantern Rite? Hmm... perhaps this calls for a poem…"

As Hu Tao and Baizhu began their usual back-and-forth, Zhongli watched on in mild amusement, unbothered by the scene.

Hmm…

He recalled a conversation he once had with Jia Changjiang.

Jia had mentioned that his homeland had a festival similar to the Lantern Rite, where any disagreements or unpleasantness during the celebration could be dismissed with a single phrase—

"It’s the new year, after all."

If one were to apply Liyue’s customs to the same sentiment…

"It’s the Lantern Rite, after all."

With that in mind, Zhongli simply continued observing the exchange between Hu Tao and Baizhu.

---

At the edge of the port, near a small stall selling sky lanterns, Chongyun sat hunched over, clumsily attempting to assemble a lantern of his own.

Unlike the exorcism techniques and martial arts he excelled at, this delicate craft remained a challenge.

His goal this year? To successfully make a lantern that could actually fly.

Sitting beside him, however, was someone having no such difficulties.

Xingqiu deftly wove the framework for his lantern, his movements swift and precise—far outpacing Chongyun’s efforts.

"How are you making them so fast and so well?" Chongyun asked, watching his friend work with awe. He glanced down at his own hands, puzzled.

He didn’t expect to match Lumine, whose crafting speed was almost unnatural, but even Xingqiu’s efficiency was far beyond his own.

"It’s simple," Xingqiu replied matter-of-factly. "I just followed the instructions in the book and copied the method exactly."

"…?"

Chongyun stared at him, feeling like a struggling student hearing the class prodigy say, 'Oh, I just followed the textbook.'

With a resigned sigh, he lowered his head and continued wrestling with his lantern.

Meanwhile, Xingqiu handed off his completed lantern to one of the festival attendants before immediately starting on another.

Any extra lanterns crafted during the festival would be released en masse alongside the grand Mingxiao Lantern.

And for those who didn’t know how to make their own, the festival organizers ensured that everyone received at least one lantern to release.

These lights, both large and small, carried the collective wishes of all of Liyue.

---

At the heart of the port, amidst the gathered crowds, a dark-skinned girl with twin spiky ponytails stood atop a raised platform, gripping a uniquely shaped guitar.

Striking a powerful chord, she launched into an energetic rock and roll performance.

Though many in the crowd didn’t fully understand rock music, that didn’t stop them from enjoying the spectacle.

The energy of Xinyan’s performance blended seamlessly with the festive spirit of the Lantern Rite.

Flashes of fire and bursts of sparks punctuated the rhythm of her music, elevating the celebration to greater heights.

---

Beyond Liyue Harbor, aboard a large vessel, another lively scene was unfolding.

The Crux fleet’s flagship, the Alcor, was hosting a grand feast.

"Drink up, everyone! Let loose and enjoy the festival!"

With one foot planted firmly on the ship’s railing, Beidou raised her voice over the revelry. "Are the sky lanterns ready?"

She and her crew were no strangers to celebrating on the ship.

Of course, they had also spent past Lantern Rites on land, mingling with the rest of Liyue.

So, there were no complaints either way.

"Kaedehara!"

Beidou called out to a lone figure perched on the ship’s upper deck. "Are you just gonna sit up there, or are you joining us?"

"Hmm."

Eyes closed, Kazuha listened to the distant sounds drifting from the harbor.

The voice of Liyue…

It was completely different from what he had known in Inazuma.

Gone was the stifling oppression.

Instead, it was something distinctly Liyue—a natural harmony of voices and celebration.

He glanced down at the sailors reveling below him.

Then, with effortless grace, he leapt down from his perch.

A gentle breeze caught him mid-air, softening his landing.

After all, there was no rule saying outsiders couldn’t partake in the Lantern Rite.

---

At Wanmin Restaurant, inside Chihu Rock, the kitchen was bustling with activity.

Steam curled into the air, carrying the rich aroma of freshly cooked dishes.

With practiced ease, Xiangling maneuvered between tables, balancing plates and bowls as she served eager customers.

Her warm smile never wavered as she welcomed each guest.

Seated in a quiet corner, Ganyu breathed in the delicious scent of the food, her expression torn with indecision.

Staring at the menu, she hesitated.

Then, finally, she made her choice—ordering an extra vegetarian dish on top of her usual meal.

"Got it! No meat, no animal fat… anything else?" Xiangling asked cheerfully.

"N-no, that’s all," Ganyu replied.

Xiangling nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

A short while later, she returned with Ganyu’s food.

As soon as the dishes were set before her, Ganyu swallowed reflexively, then quietly began eating.

What she didn’t realize, however, was that—just like always—Xiangling had noticed her dining alone…

And had secretly added two extra spoonfuls of vegetables to her plate.

It seemed Ganyu’s plan to control her portion sizes would have to be postponed yet again.

---

Outside Wanmin Restaurant, Madame Ping strolled leisurely through the streets, gazing up at the glowing sky lanterns.

A young girl with long pink hair ran up to her and playfully linked arms with her.

"Granny Ping, the festival’s especially lively this year, isn’t it?"

"Lively is good," Madame Ping chuckled warmly. "Soon, the grand Mingxiao Lantern will ascend… Our old friend, Skybracer, will certainly be in the spotlight this year."

Moving through Liyue Harbor at her own slow pace, Madame Ping truly appeared no different from any ordinary elderly woman.

---

Elsewhere, high above the streets, a stage had been set within a tea house. A young woman stood upon it, singing a traditional opera.

From a balcony overlooking the festival, Ningguang sat with her ever-present trio of secretaries, observing the scene below.

She spotted Keqing weaving through the crowd, taking in the sight of countless sky lanterns adorning the city.

The Lantern Rite was a festival of remembrance.

Long ago, during times of war, the people of Liyue would release bright lanterns at night, guiding lost warriors home—helping them find their way back, not just physically, but in spirit.

But now, the people of Liyue released these lanterns for more than just heroes.

They carried hopes for the future.

And just like the origins of the festival itself—

They carried a wish.

A wish that no warrior lost in battle, no wanderer far from home, and no soul uncertain of their path…

Would ever lose their way.

---

T/N: everytime i come back to translate i get reminded of why this is like one of if not my favorite translations

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!