The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [282]

The effects caused by the meteorites dissipated completely after the core vanished.

Following this, the group returned to Mondstadt and reported their findings to the Adventurers’ Guild.

Thus, another legendary feat was added to the illustrious records of Jia Changjiang and Lumine, two legendary adventurers.

The Prinzessin der Verurteilung, Fischl, gained a few new companions through this ordeal—beyond Oz, of course.

A cursed adventurer burdened by generations of misfortune, an otherworldly traveler, a strange emergency food–shaped fairy, a penniless astrologer, and a spirited warrior.

The well-kept book Mountains and Seas was returned to Lisa, becoming a frequently borrowed tale of adventure among readers.

Meanwhile, the people of Liyue and Mondstadt never uncovered the true identity of the man in black armor. The memories from the dream were too hazy, leaving them to speculate: Did the black-armored man ever reach the snowy summit?

In time, Liyue even inspired a novel titled The Hero of the Snowy Mountain. Out of curiosity, Xingqiu asked Lumine to purchase a few copies. For weeks afterward, Lumine found herself constantly overhearing discussions about the story, even during meals.

She eventually grew sick of it.

Enough! I’ve heard more than enough!

As for the matter of the false sky, Lumine still suspected that Jia Changjiang knew more than he let on.

One day, she seized the opportunity to ask him again.

Jia Changjiang paused before replying, “Lumine, we’re both from other worlds. Some of the knowledge we brought with us doesn’t necessarily apply here. Take the stars, for example.”

Lumine blinked. “What do you mean?”

Jia Changjiang continued, “You understand the concept of a planet, right?”

She nodded.

“If Constellations—those real stars in the sky—can be pulled down by some force originating from the planet, isn’t that strange by our standards?”

“So… when Scaramouche said the sky was false, I didn’t dismiss it outright,” he admitted.

“That said, let’s leave this matter for another time. The truth will come to light eventually.”

With that, the meteorite incident was officially concluded.

Although the event had caused some losses for both Liyue and Mondstadt, the damage was gradually repaired as time passed.

And yet, there was still one curious matter…

“What is this thing?”

Standing on the rooftop of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Lumine peered down at Jia Changjiang in the distance. Despite the separation, his voice rang clearly in her ears.

“Can you hear me? Hey, hey!”

“You and your weird gadgets…” Lumine muttered, her voice also carrying effortlessly to him. “What’s the point of this thing?”

“It’s convenient! And don’t call it weird—I found this in one of those fake Constellations,” Jia Changjiang said, inspecting the star-shaped device linked to his own fate. “Isn’t it useful? Now we can stay connected on missions. Though, for now, it only works with you.”

He clicked his tongue in mild disappointment. “Why just you?”

“Who wants to be connected to a battle maniac like you? If you’re going to link someone, at least choose one of Mondstadt or Liyue’s beautiful women!” Lumine shot back. “Hurry up and teach me how to use it! I’ll contact Mona, Fischl, Jean, Xiangling, and Keqing tomorrow!”

Her rapid-fire list left Jia Changjiang speechless.

If I really gave her this functionality… who knows what chaos she’d cause?

Better to keep her grounded.

On another note, despite her sometimes shameless demeanor, Lumine’s social skills were undeniably impressive.

Recently, she even managed to score an invitation to board the lavish Pearl Pavilion, a renowned luxury vessel.

According to Lumine, the ship was not only opulently decorated but also hosted Liyue’s wealthiest elites. However, the true owner of the Pearl Pavilion remained a mystery.

Deciding it was too good an opportunity to pass up, Lumine planned to take Jia Changjiang along for the experience.

After all, chances to visit such prestigious places were rare.

Sure, they could ask Ningguang for access to high-end venues, but where was the fun in that?

Upon boarding the magnificent ship, however, they were surprised to encounter a familiar face.

Zhongli.

He sat calmly at a table, surrounded by a group of people engaged in a heated discussion.

Noticing Lumine and Jia Changjiang, Zhongli rose and greeted them. “What an unexpected pleasure to meet you both here.”

The others at the table paused their argument, turning to examine the newcomers. A bespectacled woman addressed Zhongli, “Are these friends of yours?”

Zhongli nodded. “Yes, we recently had the honor of becoming acquainted. This is Lumine, and this is Jia Changjiang.”

“Both are knowledgeable and accomplished adventurers—true kindred spirits.”

He paused thoughtfully before adding, “Jia Changjiang, in particular, is the inspiration behind the folk tale of Wu Song slaying the tiger.”

The introduction piqued the group’s interest.

Zhongli then turned back to Lumine and Jia Changjiang. “We were just discussing the historical legacy of the Geo Archon. Would you care to join us?”

“Hm?” Lumine tilted her head, puzzled.

Zhongli… discussing his own history?

Perhaps this was his way of showing satisfaction with his pre-retirement achievements? Lumine couldn’t help but wonder.

One of the people at the table—a self-proclaimed archaeologist—spoke up. “This gentleman here seems to underestimate the Archon’s power. As a professional, I’d like to correct his misconceptions.”

“Correct him?” Lumine quirked an eyebrow. “You do realize he knows a lot about the Geo Archon, right?”

“We were debating the whereabouts of the first Mora,” the archaeologist, Yixuan, explained. “As everyone knows, under the Geo Archon’s guidance, Liyue’s forebears forged metal into coins and began trading with nations across the world. The first Mora was personally minted by the Archon himself thousands of years ago.”

Another scholar, Wanyan, adjusted her glasses. “Based on my research—along with some speculation—I believe this historically significant coin was secretly passed down as a keepsake.”

Her enthusiasm was palpable as she continued. “For example… could there be an unknown ritual performed by each generation of the Qixing before they take office?”

Jia Changjiang, intrigued, felt like he was watching a historical documentary unfold in real-time.

“Ah, friend, speculation isn’t evidence,” he said, addressing Wanyan. “Without concrete proof, it’s not archaeology—it’s guesswork.”

“You make a fair point,” another archaeologist, Han Xue, chimed in. “But allow me to share my findings. The first Mora is no ordinary coin.”

“It’s common knowledge that Mora serves as a magical medium. Even today, it’s used in alchemical rituals to enhance weaponry,” Han Xue said animatedly. “So, the first Mora must hold unparalleled power!”

“Magical rituals?” Lumine blinked.

Is Mora-enhancing items really considered a form of mysticism? But it’s so straightforward! she thought, baffled.

“My next historical work,” Han Xue declared with great enthusiasm, “will boldly present the culmination of my ten years of meticulous research!”

He paused dramatically before continuing, “And that is—Mora was used by the Geo Archon as a catalyst to enhance a sword and a blade!”

“A sword and a blade?” Paimon tilted her head in confusion. “But isn’t the Geo Archon known for using a polearm?”

“Hahaha! That just shows how little you know about the Geo Archon,” Han Xue replied smugly, crossing his arms. “In Liyue’s history, he’s also said to have wielded legendary swords and blades.”

He leaned forward conspiratorially. “I’ll reveal more when my book is published. For now, I’ll give you this teaser: whoever obtains the blade will become the supreme ruler of Liyue, and whoever draws the sword will be crowned king of Liyue!”

Lumine gave Han Xue a skeptical look as he rambled on.

Is he serious? she thought, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

The idea amused her more than it annoyed her. After all, Zhongli’s sword, Summit Shaper, was currently in her possession. Just two days ago, she’d used it to crack open some walnuts.

If Han Xue’s theory is correct, doesn’t that make me the supreme ruler of Liyue?

Her thoughts wandered further. Left arm around Ningguang, right arm around Keqing, Xiangling the little chef perched on my lap… Now that’s the dream life.

Shaking off the absurd daydream, Lumine decided she’d buy Han Xue’s book when it came out—if only for the entertainment value.

Zhongli, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. He shook his head slowly and said, “…I must disagree.”

Han Xue, who had been riding high on his enthusiasm, turned toward Zhongli in surprise.

“Setting aside the plausibility of your claims regarding the sword and blade,” Zhongli began, his calm and measured tone unwavering, “Mora and currency itself are merely tools of convenience for facilitating contracts.”

“Guiding humanity to use Mora for trade was the Archon’s true intention,” Zhongli continued, as though speaking about someone else entirely. “As for the so-called ‘first Mora,’ it was likely spent as an ordinary coin—nothing more, nothing less.”

Yixuan, another scholar at the table, shook her head at Zhongli’s words. “I find Han Xue’s hypothesis far more compelling. But you, sir—how can you so casually dismiss the profound foresight of the Geo Archon without evidence?”

Zhongli remained unperturbed. “I make no judgments—neither criticism nor praise. I am simply stating the facts as they are.”

The next words out of Han Xue’s mouth, however, made Lumine and Paimon’s eyes widen.

Han Xue crossed his arms and scoffed. “Alright, who here knows the Geo Archon better? You or me?”

“…” Lumine fell silent.

Considering Zhongli’s true identity, the situation was nothing short of surreal.

The last time I saw something this absurd was with Venti, she thought.

It was hard not to find it fascinating when mortals confidently debated their gods’ intentions—right in front of those gods.

No one knows more about the Geo Archon than me?

“I wouldn’t presume to claim expertise,” Zhongli said, his voice calm and composed as ever. “I only know a little. But without differences in perspective, debate would lose its purpose.”

“Then let me ask you,” Yixuan interjected, seizing the opportunity. “Hundreds of years ago, when Liyue Harbor underwent massive construction projects, the Geo Archon taught the people architectural techniques. The demonstration models he used were made entirely of molten Mora, correct?”

Zhongli nodded. “That is true.”

“Then explain this!” Han Xue exclaimed. “If Mora wasn’t imbued with extraordinary power, why would the Geo Archon engage in such extravagant behavior?”

“That’s easy to explain,” Zhongli began, only for Lumine to raise her hand and cut him off.

“Oh, come on. Isn’t the answer obvious? Efficiency!”

“Efficiency?”

The others were taken aback, and Lumine elaborated, raising her hand to summon a small Geo construct. “Why bother searching for other materials when you can just create what you need instantly?”

Zhongli nodded approvingly. “Precisely. For the Archon, Mora was the most readily available and cost-effective material.”

“…I see.”

The two scholars were at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, Jia Changjiang leaned in with a grin. “Still, the theory about the sword and blade is interesting. History is all about uncovering the truth bit by bit. When you publish your book, I’ll definitely support you by buying a couple of copies.”

Wanyan, the bespectacled woman at the table, stood up after observing Zhongli’s composed demeanor.

“Sir, I have some archaeological questions I’d like to discuss in private. Would you mind?” she asked hesitantly.

Zhongli shook his head. “Not at all. However…”

He glanced at Jia Changjiang and Lumine, gesturing toward them. “Would it be alright if my two friends joined us? They may be able to offer additional insight.”

“Why am I being dragged into this?” Lumine muttered, confused.

Wanyan smiled politely. “If that’s what you’d like, I have no objections. Let’s go.”

Once they moved to a quieter area of the ship, Wanyan finally spoke, lowering her voice.

“The things I’m about to say might be seen as disrespectful to the Geo Archon, and I’d rather avoid drawing too much attention,” she admitted.

Watching Wanyan’s earnest expression, Lumine resisted the urge to laugh.

Should I tell her that the man standing next to her, with his Geo color scheme, is the very Archon she’s worried about disrespecting?

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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!