The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [363]

"……"

Zhongli continued to watch Jia Changjiang in silence.

After a moment, Jia Changjiang finally gave in. "Alright, stop looking at me like that. I know what you're thinking."

"I'm planning to take Xiao’s place in dealing with the demons during the Lantern Rite, but it’s not because I’m feeling homesick and drowning in self-pity or anything."

He rubbed his chin, then gestured toward his own face and grinned. "Look at me—do I seem like that kind of person?"

Zhongli pondered briefly before replying, "From my interactions with you, I would indeed say… you do not seem to be that kind of person."

"Exactly!"

Jia Changjiang patted his chest confidently.

"I’m not the type to wallow in despair."

His smile remained as bright as ever.

"Zhongli, do you seriously think I'd lose myself over something like this?" Jia Changjiang asked. "Sure, I miss home, but I know what I need to do right now—I know what I can do."

"I'm not some reckless young hero from a storybook, wandering aimlessly through my journey, getting lost in confusion only to grow through it."

Jia Changjiang stroked his chin, rubbing the faint stubble there. "Why would I be confused about something like this?"

"Because I ended up alone in a foreign world? Because a festival that reminds me of my homeland is making me sentimental?"

"Zhongli, I know who I am. I know where I came from, and I know where I’m going next."

His grin widened. "Uncertainty isn't a reason to stop moving forward. Even if someone finds themselves lost, they should still figure out what they can do in the present."

"I'm offering to help Xiao not because I want to escape the Lantern Rite, but because I don’t want Xiao to be forced away from it. I'm not giving up on the festival."

Jia Changjiang continued, "I've already prepared my own sky lantern, and I fully intend to enjoy the rest of the festival."

"And when the Lantern Rite reaches its grand finale, I’ll be there too." His hands clenched in anticipation. "This year, Xiao isn’t skipping the festival."

"This year, the Vigilant Yaksha is taking a well-deserved vacation."

His expression turned bold and confident. "Demons? Karmic debt? Leave that to me."

"I'm looking forward to this—battling the lingering grudges and resentment of fallen gods… Whether it’s for Xiao or for the Lantern Rite, I won’t miss this chance."

Zhongli listened quietly before nodding in acknowledgment.

Yes, this was the Jia Changjiang he knew.

Like a blazing fire in the dark of night—burning fiercely, bright and unwavering.

"From a rational perspective… people like you are truly rare," Zhongli remarked. "The demons and karmic debt that Xiao faces are not matters easily resolved. For an ordinary mortal, merely getting involved would be enough to bring disaster upon themselves."

Jia Changjiang raised an eyebrow. "What? Are you trying to stop me, Zhongli? Because even if you do—"

"I know—you wouldn’t back down regardless," Zhongli interrupted, his tone calm. "But… surely, you wouldn’t refuse a little assistance from a friend, would you?"

At those words, Jia Changjiang burst into laughter. "Of course not. But just so you know, I'll definitely pay you back for it—with interest."

"You warriors are truly too greedy and stubborn… far beyond what most mortals would ever comprehend." Zhongli extended a hand, gathering Geo energy within his palm.

"But that persistence… suits you well."

---

Elsewhere, Lumine had already reported the suspicious individual to the Millelith.

Later, when she returned to investigate further, she found Xiao standing atop a rooftop, surveying the surroundings.

Determined to prevent the Lantern Rite from turning into a red-colored Lantern Rite, as Xiao had put it, Lumine braced herself—ready to track down the troublemaker.

At the crime scene, she discovered a Treasure Hoarder insignia. After some thought, she tried to recall anyone she knew who might have connections to the Treasure Hoarders.

After going through her options, only one name came to mind.

"Kaeya," she muttered.

"Oh, you're right! Kaeya totally seems like the kind of guy who’d know some Treasure Hoarders," Paimon nodded sagely. "I mean, look at him—he just gives off that shady vibe."

"…I don’t think looking shady has anything to do with being connected to the underworld," Lumine replied dryly. "But since it’s Kaeya, I’ll let it slide."

She huffed. "Treasure Hoarders… Ugh, those guys are always competing with me for relics in the wild, aren’t they? Fine—I'll find Kaeya first, get some intel, and then…"

She clenched her fist.

"I'll track down the guy who left that mark and make him tell me what he’s up to."

With her plan set, Lumine activated a waypoint and headed for Mondstadt.

---

On the other side of Liyue, Jia Changjiang had already parted ways with Zhongli and made his way toward Dihua Marsh.

According to Zhongli, lingering remnants of a fallen god’s resentment could still be found in this area.

Perfect for a warm-up before the Lantern Rite.

Upon arriving, Jia Changjiang searched the area for some time until he finally spotted his target—a group of Hilichurls shrouded in dark miasma.

"Gotcha."

Rolling his shoulders, he flexed his right arm.

Just like the Anemo sigil on his left shoulder, his right shoulder now bore a newly imprinted Geo sigil.

…It looked oddly symmetrical.

Jia Changjiang ran a hand over the new marking, his expression unreadable.

So far, I’ve only met two Archons, and both of them left their marks on me… What is this, some kind of official certification?

"Am I a ‘quality-assured product’ now? A certified, factory-approved traveler?"

He suddenly had a ridiculous thought—

If I travel to all seven nations, will I end up covered in seven different elemental marks?

Lumine was on a journey to obtain all seven elements…

And he was on a journey to collect all seven stamps?

…Am I her walking stamp collection?

If I gather all seven, do I win a prize?

Jia Changjiang stood there for a moment, deep in thought.

Of course, he knew Zhongli’s mark was far more than just a simple imprint. But still… something about it just felt a bit odd.

He was a guy who had never even gotten a tattoo or an ear piercing in over twenty years of life—yet after visiting only two nations, he was already marked with two elemental sigils.

"…Whatever."

Shaking off the thought, he refocused his gaze on the tainted Hilichurls before him.

With a flick of his wrist, he unsheathed [Azakana’s Blade] alongside his [Wind Sword], ready to begin his experiment.

As for the test subject…

Jia Changjiang reached into his inventory and pulled out a mask—

A mask infused with Azakana’s power, just like Yone’s.

---

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!