The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [190]

“The Kui Star mask symbolizes the first four stars of the Seven Stars—Heaven’s Pivot, Square, Base, and Authority. It represents literary fortune, not something to wear in battle.”

Hearing Jia Changjiang’s question, Xiao let out a cold huff. “To not know even this… truly…”

“Oh? I had no idea it carried such significance. You sure know a lot, Xiao,” Jia Changjiang replied, slipping the mask onto his face. The faint scent of sandalwood and paint filled his nose—pleasant rather than overpowering, lending the mask an oddly soothing quality.

“An adeptus sees much,” Xiao muttered, averting his gaze.

Adjusting the mask snugly, Jia Changjiang smirked. “Whether it’s literary or martial fortune, doesn’t matter to me. But you really seem familiar with these traditions, huh?”

“…Not particularly.”

Xiao quickened his pace, attempting to walk ahead. “I’m not interested in such things.”

“Hey, don’t rush off! You’ll miss a lot if you keep moving like that,” Jia Changjiang said, catching up with him. “There’s a sweet shop nearby. Let’s check it out. Maybe they’ve got something with a texture like almond tofu. Worth a look, right? Otherwise, you’ll probably just end up in another alley, sitting by yourself…”

“…”

Xiao found himself cornered by Jia Changjiang’s chatter. Realizing he couldn’t escape, he begrudgingly kept pace, silently enduring the incessant talk.

Between the unsolicited snacks thrust into his hands and the random trinkets Jia Changjiang handed him with a grin, Xiao’s patience wore thin. Even when Xiao tried to decline, Jia Changjiang would counter with a cheerful reminder: “Can’t break a contract now, can we?”

Left with little choice, Xiao accepted the offerings with a faint scowl.

“How’s it taste?” Jia Changjiang asked eagerly, watching Xiao try a new snack. “If there’s anything else you want, just let me know. My treat—I’ve come into a bit of money recently.”

“It’s not bad,” Xiao admitted, reluctantly nibbling on the fried morsel. “Though it’s no almond tofu from Wangshu Inn.”

“See? Told you Liyue’s food wouldn’t disappoint!” Jia Changjiang said, taking a bite of a meaty sandwich called Mora Meat. “Liyue’s a great place, isn’t it? Stroll around a bit, take it all in. We’ve got time before Lumine’s back.”

He turned to Xiao with a grin. “Even if you’re bracing yourself for battle, you’ve got to relax every now and then, right? Both you and me. Speaking of which, I’ve still got some supplies to pick up…”

---

“Ta-da! All done! Behold—the perfect Frosted Slime and Salted Slime!” Lumine declared triumphantly, holding up two neatly packed gift boxes.

“They’re the perfect pair! Sweet to balance the salty, salty to balance the sweet!” she said, looking proud.

“Exactly! Frosted Slime was my idea, and the Salted Slime was yours—a match made in heaven!” Paimon chimed in, equally excited.

“Alright! Gifts prepared, method of getting to the Jade Chamber sorted—time to meet the rich lady herself!” Lumine clutched the boxes tightly, already heading toward Yujing Terrace, only to be stopped by Paimon.

“Wait! What about Mr. Kax? We’re supposed to go together!”

Lumine hesitated for a moment, then dashed off. “I’m going ahead! Jax didn’t invite me when he met Ningguang last time, so this makes us even!”

“Hey!” Paimon’s protests fell on deaf ears as Lumine hurried to the floating platform Keqing had mentioned.

When she arrived, however, Jia Changjiang was already there, leisurely strolling toward the platform with a large bag slung over his shoulder.

“Mr. Jax! What a coincidence!” Paimon said, waving happily. Lumine, on the other hand, clicked her tongue in annoyance.

So much for meeting Ningguang solo.

“Yeah, just finished some shopping,” Jia Changjiang said, pulling a finely crafted spear from the bundle on his back. He tapped the weapon, producing a crisp metallic ring. “Pretty good craftsmanship, huh?”

With that, he casually stored the weapon and his purchases into his mysterious storage space.

“Wait, hold on! Did you raid a weapons shop?” Lumine asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Don’t expect me to cover for you! If you’ve committed a crime, you’re on your own.”

“Why do you always assume the worst of me?” Jia Changjiang sighed. “I paid for everything fair and square. These are just things I’ll need later.”

“Sure, sure…” Lumine rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get going.”

---

Reaching the platform to the Jade Chamber was surprisingly straightforward. After providing the necessary password, the guide stationed there recognized them immediately.

“You must be the guests Lady Ningguang is expecting,” the guide said with a bow.

“Of course!” Lumine said proudly, placing her hands on her hips. “We’re her invited guests!”

“Please step onto the floating platform. Lady Ningguang is awaiting your arrival,” the guide instructed, activating the mechanism.

As the platform rose steadily into the sky, Lumine crouched near the edge, peering down at Liyue Harbor.

“Hey, Jax,” she said suddenly, her tone curious. “What do you think would happen if I jumped off with my Wind Glider? Wouldn’t that be so fun?”

“You’d have to climb all the way back up afterward,” Jia Changjiang replied, eyes fixed on the towering structure of the Jade Chamber above. “Getting closer now… It’s a lot bigger than I thought.”

“Guess that means Ningguang is really rich,” Lumine mused, standing up. “I’ve seen her during the Rite of Descension, but I haven’t actually talked to her yet.”

“As one of the Qixing, she must be pretty impressive,” Lumine added. “But I guess we won’t know for sure until we meet her in person.”

The platform came to a gentle stop, and the grand Jade Chamber loomed before them.

From its ornate doors, a graceful figure emerged to greet them.

“I’ve been expecting you,” Ningguang said, her voice calm yet commanding.

 “Welcome, travelers from Jueyun Karst.”

---

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!