The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [361]

To keep watch, Jia Changjiang climbed up a wooden scaffold, settling into a high vantage point to survey everything below.

From this spot, he had a clear view of both the surrounding Sea Lanterns and the bustling crowds passing below.

However… after waiting up there for a while, Jia Changjiang suddenly spotted a familiar figure. His expression lit up with excitement, and without hesitation, he leaped down from his perch.

“Xiao? Didn’t you say you weren’t coming to the Lantern Rite? Why are you here now?”

Seeing Xiao appear at the harbor, Jia Changjiang immediately ran up to him and asked.

He had just been wondering how he could lure Xiao over—yet here Xiao was, showing up on his own?

“Why is it you?” Xiao’s brows furrowed slightly upon seeing Jia Changjiang.

It wasn’t that he disliked him personally, but…

Jia Changjiang and Lumine’s way of thinking and acting was always beyond Xiao’s expectations.

Every time he interacted with them, he felt like he was being dragged into situations beyond his control.

No matter how much he refused, he would somehow always get roped into whatever they were up to…

“I came here to check if there were any unusual disturbances.” Xiao explained, his tone calm. “The number of demons and malevolent spirits that appear during the Lantern Rite is the highest of the entire year.”

“This place… cannot be left unguarded.”

His explanation made it clear—he wasn’t here to celebrate the festival.

His only purpose was to investigate any potential demonic threats.

“I just saw a suspicious individual lurking around earlier. They might be possessed by an evil spirit.”

Xiao’s face remained impassive.

Though he hadn’t drawn his [Primordial Jade Winged-Spear], the years of slaughter had long imprinted an air of cold ruthlessness into his very presence.

“If that person truly has been tainted by demonic energy… then I won’t be able to avoid intervening in this year’s Lantern Rite.” Xiao added, his tone icy. “Perhaps this festival will turn into a red-colored Lantern Rite instead.”

“I see, so you’re here to investigate demonic disturbances, right?” Jia Changjiang gave him a thumbs-up. “Though, red… is actually kind of festive.”

He continued, “Back in my hometown, during the New Year, everything is covered in red decorations—couplets, firecrackers, paper cuttings… Oh, it’s a festival pretty similar to the Lantern Rite.”

“By the way, Xiao, do you want to try some street food? During the festival, all kinds of vendors come to the harbor to set up stalls. Want to give it a try? I’ll treat you.”

“……” Xiao looked at Jia Changjiang, feeling somewhat… exasperated.

Was this guy even listening?

He had been explaining the potential seriousness of having to take action during the Lantern Rite, yet somehow, Jia Changjiang had twisted the conversation toward whether or not he was participating in the festival.

“No need.”

Xiao turned away, preparing to continue his search. “I don’t like crowded places.”

“Then let’s go somewhere quieter. Do you do this every year during the Lantern Rite?” Jia Changjiang was persistent, keeping pace with him. “Need my help?”

“No. You should stick to human affairs.” With a flicker, Xiao vanished into the night. “Besides, that person left behind a mark. If you want to investigate, find it yourself.”

Watching Xiao’s retreating figure, Jia Changjiang sighed in admiration.

He jumps so high… He’d probably be amazing at catching Crystalflies.

“Demons, huh… Come to think of it, aren’t there plenty of Adepti around during the Lantern Rite? With so many of them here, would Liyue really fall to demonic invasion?” Jia Changjiang rubbed his chin in thought. “Or maybe Xiao is more concerned about shady individuals taking advantage of the festival?”

After pondering for a while and coming up with nothing, he simply put the matter aside.

Catching suspicious individuals… Eh, he’d leave that to Lumine. She had been slacking off enough as it was—letting her stay busy during the festival wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Plus, she could earn some Mora along the way.

So far, neither he nor Lumine had figured out a proper way to reach Inazuma.

They were even considering building their own boat… But from what they’d heard, the waters around Inazuma were covered in constant thunderstorms. For an ordinary boat to push through that would be nothing short of a miracle.

After checking around the nearby warehouses and finding nothing unusual, Jia Changjiang wandered over to a familiar place near Liyue Harbor—Third-Round Knockout.

Even during the Lantern Rite, Tian Tiezui hadn’t taken a break from his storytelling.

Tonight’s tale was in response to a request from one of his regular listeners—the story of the origin of the Mingxiao Lantern and the Adeptus, Skybracer.

“Long ago, the Adeptus known as Skybracer used his own antlers to support the collapsing Tianheng Mountain… And in the end, his blood flowed through Liyue, giving rise to what is now known as Bishui River…”

Tian Tiezui spoke with enthusiasm, and his audience—drinking patrons gathered below—listened with equal interest, chatting amongst themselves about the festival as they sipped their drinks.

Some were completely absorbed in the story. Others casually tossed crispy peanuts into their mouths while conversing about recent happenings.

The drinking culture in Liyue felt… different from Mondstadt’s.

One was full of the lively, bustling spirit of the common folk, while the other carried a carefree, indulgent joy.

Jia Changjiang liked both.

“Two pots of wine, and a plate of peanuts.”

He placed his order, then poured himself a cup of the rich amber liquid. Sipping slowly, he let the warmth of the alcohol mix with the captivating storytelling and the freshly roasted peanuts.

Liyue’s wine… was meant to be savored.

Unlike Mondstadt’s, Liyue’s alcohol—just like its history—was deep and enduring.

And lately, Third-Round Knockout’s reputation had improved significantly.

Many of its long-time patrons claimed that ever since the last Archon War incident, the wine had gained a new depth of flavor.

Popping a peanut into his mouth, Jia Changjiang leaned against the table, listening as Tian Tiezui wrapped up the tale of Skybracer.

Just as the storyteller was contemplating what tale to tell next, Jia Changjiang called out from his seat—

“Tell a story about the Yakshas. Let’s hear about them.”

“Hmm?”

Tian Tiezui followed the voice and, upon recognizing Jia Changjiang, beamed with enthusiasm.

“Ah! Since Master Jia himself has spoken… then of course, I must give my best performance.”

“Tonight, I shall regale you all with the grand tale of Liyue’s many Yakshas!”

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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!