The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [222]

"Now that’s more like it!" Lumine beamed as Cloud Retainer finally relented, her words softening the tension.

"Thank you, Adeptus, for speaking up on my behalf," Ningguang addressed the gathered Adepti with measured sincerity. "We are well aware of the purpose of your visit. And because of that…" She glanced toward Jia Changjiang and Lumine, then at the Millelith soldiers being rescued from Beidou's ships and the remains of the Jade Chamber. The words she intended to say shifted as they reached her lips.

"Honored Adepti… According to the records of Liyue, you have upheld your contract with the Geo Archon to protect this land for over 3,700 years."

"For millennia, Liyue’s mountains and rivers have remained steadfast, as unshakable as stone, a legacy that commands admiration."

Ningguang fixed her gaze on the Adepti, her voice steady yet earnest. "During these 3,700 years, you have guarded Liyue in adherence to your contract. The Qixing have led with diligence, the Millelith have defended the land, and the people of Liyue have lived here as the children of the Geo Archon."

"I ask of you now, revered Adepti… as Jia Changjiang once urged, do not merely look at Liyue, but see Liyue. See its people."

Ningguang’s expression radiated genuine intent as she continued, her tone gentle yet firm. "I mean no offense with these words. I simply ask that, for once, you consider the future of Liyue from a new perspective."

"You dare to question the way we have protected Liyue?" Moon Carver approached Ningguang, towering over her with his stag-like form, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

Cloud Retainer snorted. "To address us as 'elders,' when you mere juniors of the Qixing have no claim to such status in my presence!"

As Cloud Retainer’s sharp words echoed, Jia Changjiang, Lumine, and Paimon couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

Paimon muttered nervously, "Cloud Retainer is so fierce! She seems really hard to get along with…"

Jia Changjiang, however, chuckled. "Not really. Sure, she said the Qixing can’t claim seniority, but she still acknowledged them as successors, didn’t she?"

Lumine clapped her hands together in realization. "I get it now! Cloud Retainer’s just… a tsundere!"

The trio’s not-so-subtle murmurs carried through the air, their voices perfectly audible to everyone present—especially the Adepti, whose keen senses missed nothing.

"…"

Cloud Retainer’s initial reaction was to lash out, but she ultimately held her tongue. With a huff, she turned away and closed her eyes, choosing to ignore the mortals entirely.

Keqing stepped over to discreetly tug at Lumine’s sleeve, gesturing for the group to stop their chatter. Only then did they fall silent, allowing Ningguang to continue.

"For generations, the Qixing have upheld the contract, constructing the Liyue we know today under the guidance of the Geo Archon," Ningguang declared, meeting Moon Carver’s imposing gaze without flinching. "As the two travelers have pointed out, Liyue’s progress was not built by singular efforts alone. Liyue is as much the land of the Adepti as it is of its people."

"Liyue has grown to what it is now," she continued, her tone unwavering. "I ask that you, too, look upon this city and its people with clear eyes."

Moon Carver studied her intently before speaking. "How long have you rehearsed these words?"

Ningguang replied calmly, "What I originally intended to say changed after everything that has transpired today."

"Alright, alright! We finally won, so let’s not sour the mood with stiff arguments!" Jia Changjiang stepped forward, hooking his fingers to lift the corners of his mouth into a playful grin. "Come on, let’s see some smiles. Even us outsiders know that unnecessary conflict only makes things worse. Let’s talk this through, yeah?"

He crossed his arms confidently. "Remember, we had a bet. The Adepti wouldn’t bring harm to Liyue, right?"

"At the core of this," Jia Changjiang continued, "is the suspicion that Rex Lapis was assassinated by someone from Liyue. But let’s be honest…" He tapped his temple thoughtfully. "When I borrowed that power earlier, I heard the voices of countless people in Liyue. I’m sure you Adepti heard them, too."

"This city’s love and reverence for the Geo Archon—that’s no fabrication!" He gestured toward the harbor. "Surely, with all that in mind, you can take a closer look at this city?"

With effort, Jia Changjiang straightened himself from the Millelith soldiers supporting him. Though clearly exhausted, he stood tall and addressed the Adepti. "A new era has begun. Even without Rex Lapis, Liyue still stands. Its people endure. And the Adepti of Liyue… have their place as well."

He gestured toward the soldiers and civilians alike. "There are more here who wish to thank you than just the Qixing. Would you hear their gratitude?"

Moon Carver blinked in surprise. "They are?"

At his question, the Millelith soldiers who had accompanied Jia Changjiang and Lumine knelt in unison, bowing their heads deeply before the Adepti.

"The Millelith thank the honored Adepti for their protection!"

Their leader, Commander Fengyan, stepped forward and saluted. "We beg the forgiveness of the Adepti for appearing before you in armor, unable to offer a full ceremonial bow. Please accept this military salute as a token of our gratitude."

"This battle could not have been won without your intervention. Without you, Liyue may not have withstood the ancient god’s might."

Fengyan’s voice grew more solemn as he added, "My comrades and I have families here in Liyue. Because of your protection, our loved ones are safe. For that, we are eternally grateful."

Their heartfelt words left the Adepti momentarily stunned. Even Cloud Retainer seemed at a loss for words.

"You may… rise," Moon Carver finally said, signaling the soldiers to stand.

The Millelith then turned toward Ningguang and Keqing.

As soldiers, they knew better than anyone how much the Qixing had sacrificed to protect Liyue. They bowed deeply to both women, acknowledging their tireless efforts.

Finally, the soldiers faced Jia Changjiang and Lumine. As one, they knelt again.

"The Millelith owe our lives to you both!"

Even those still weak from the battle struggled to their feet to bow, their gratitude overwhelming.

"For the immense debt we owe you," they proclaimed in unison, "we shall never forget your kindness!"

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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!