The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [365]

Xiao had chosen to stay at Wangshu Inn for a reason—

It was far from Liyue Harbor, the rooftop was quiet, and it was a strategic vantage point for subduing demons.

But the moment Jia Changjiang and Lumine arrived, his peace was completely shattered.

"Xiao! Are you coming to the Lantern Rite or not?" Lumine called out. "The Mingxiao Lantern this year is modeled after Skybracer, a majestic giant deer!"

"No."

Xiao rejected the offer without hesitation. "I've already said—I dislike crowded places, especially during this time of year."

"Besides… the Mingxiao Lantern is nothing more than a lifeless construct—uninteresting."

"You can go to the city and enjoy the spectacle on your own."

Xiao turned away, fully prepared to end the conversation.

"Not happening."

Jia Changjiang grabbed Xiao’s shoulder, stopping him from leaving. "Listen, I once learned a rule from fishing—a real angler never goes home empty-handed!"

"Which means—we're not leaving until we get what we came for!"

"Exactly! We’re not leaving!" Lumine echoed, hands on her hips.

Paimon mimicked her pose, puffing out her chest. "That’s right! We’re not leaving!"

A second later, Lumine turned to Jia Changjiang with curiosity. "Wait, what does a real angler never goes home empty-handed even mean?"

"Oh, it’s just a simple principle," Jia Changjiang explained. "Basically, you always have to bring something back—if you can’t catch a big fish, you settle for a small one. No small fish? Catch some shrimp. No shrimp? Pick some wild herbs. And if that doesn’t work, at least drink some water before you leave. But leaving completely empty-handed? Unacceptable."

"Ah, I get it now…" Lumine nodded in understanding—then glanced at the floating Paimon beside her.

The last time she went fishing, she ended up catching Paimon instead—granted, that was originally meant as a meal…

But technically, she hadn’t gone home empty-handed!

"……"

Xiao took a step back, shaking free from Jia Changjiang’s grip.

His [Primordial Jade Winged-Spear] appeared in his hand. "Stay away. Do not hinder me."

"Otherwise—"

Xiao suddenly realized something—

Somehow, without noticing, he had already fallen into their rhythm.

If he didn’t outright refuse them now, these two would never give up—they would keep pestering him until he went to the Lantern Rite.

But…

Xiao’s attempt at intimidation had zero effect.

"Put the spear away," Jia Changjiang said, casually nudging the weapon aside with a finger. "Scaring us won’t work. No matter what you say, we’re still dragging you to the festival."

"If you don’t come willingly, we’ll force you."

"If you still refuse, we’ll craft hundreds of sky lanterns and launch them right here at Wangshu Inn!"

Jia Changjiang grinned. "Delicious food, sky lanterns, making wishes under the night sky, sharing a meal with friends… This year, Xiao, you’re not escaping any of it."

He chuckled. "That’s right—we are forcing you."

"Lumine and I already booked a huge feast at Wanmin Restaurant, inviting all our friends to celebrate before the Lantern Rite starts."

Jia Changjiang smirked. "Even if you hide, even if you refuse to come… I’ll just find a random cat, put a Yaksha mask on it, and tell everyone: ‘This is the shy and reclusive Vigilant Yaksha, attending in spirit.’"

"……?"

For the first time, Xiao looked genuinely confused.

"Why are you doing all this?" he asked. "Why do humans insist on such strange behavior?"

"Because we want you to experience the Lantern Rite," Lumine answered.

"This festival belongs to you too, Xiao. We want you to see the lights in Liyue Harbor, with us."

"…I can see the lights just fine from here."

Xiao’s voice was calm as ever.

"That’s… not the same."

Jia Changjiang shook his head. "Watching the Lantern Rite alone isn’t the same as experiencing it with others."

"I will take you to the Lantern Rite this year," he declared. "If you won’t take that first step, then I’ll reach out my hand for you."

"I don’t believe that someone like you—who keeps watching over the festival every year—is truly avoiding it because you hate it."

Jia Changjiang extended a hand toward Xiao.

"Lantern Rite—are you coming?"

"……"

Xiao looked at Jia Changjiang and Lumine’s expressions, then at the hand extended toward him.

He stood in silence for a long time, memories surfacing in his mind.

And because of those memories—

Xiao turned away.

"No."

"I am already aware of all the wishes made during the Lantern Rite—every prayer for safety, every hope entrusted to the sky."

"I can see them just fine from here."

Xiao’s voice was unwavering. "Go enjoy the festival on your own."

"…Sigh."

Jia Changjiang exhaled.

As expected, Xiao refused.

Given Xiao’s nature, hoping for him to willingly agree had always been a long shot.

Which meant…

"Lumine."

Jia Changjiang made a small hand gesture, and Lumine immediately understood.

She reached into her bag and retrieved a small item—placing it in Jia Changjiang’s hand.

A single monkey hair.

Sun Wukong’s hair.

Jia Changjiang had left it with Lumine as a backup plan—because he had anticipated this exact outcome.

Xiao stood with his back toward them.

Hearing no response, he assumed they had finally given up.

But just as he was about to relax—

A sudden surge of energy erupted behind him.

Jia Changjiang had activated the same power he had used during their first battle.

Xiao immediately turned around—but it was already too late.

A hand shot forward, closing in rapidly.

Before Xiao could react, a pill was shoved into his mouth.

A second hand struck his chin, forcing him to swallow it whole.

The moment the pill entered his body, Xiao felt his karmic burden lighten—its oppressive weight fading bit by bit.

And in the next instant—

He was lifted off the ground, slung over someone's shoulder, and leapt off the rooftop.

As they descended, Xiao caught sight of Paimon shouting toward the inn:

"Hey, Verr Goldet! We’re kidnapping Xiao! Bye~~!"

Then—

A wave of drowsiness crashed over him.

Something was wrong with that pill…

Xiao tried to activate his Adeptus powers to fight off the effects, but the sleepiness wouldn’t fade.

His mind clouded over—

And before he could resist, he lost consciousness.

"Jax, what the hell was that pill?! You just knocked out an Adeptus???"

"Shhh—got it from Zhongli. It’ll only knock him out for a little while… Let’s hurry up and bring him back for the festival."

"…Haah. I guess we had to resort to brute force after all." Lumine sighed.

"But you know what? Kidnapping an Adeptus?"

"That was kinda thrilling!"

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T/N: OMGGGG Jax... really has something with anemo boys... good thing it's Lumine and not Aether wait... NO I WISH IT WAS AETHER GIVE ME MY YAOI

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!