Chapter 31: Xiao

(Alexander POV)

"I know the beauty of Teyvat cannot be explained simply by the limited data the game has to offer but this looks way better than I thought it would be" I muttered out loud as I gazed at my destination.

Wangshu Inn.

A traditional Chinese-style inn located on the slopes of Mt. Tianheng in Liyue.

It features elegant wooden structures with curved roofs and hanging lanterns.

Surrounded by lush greenery and bamboo groves, the inn offers cozy interiors with wooden furniture and lantern-lit ambiance.

Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the mountains from the main hall and outdoor seating areas. Overall, Wangshu Inn is a charming retreat in a serene natural setting.

After admiring the picturesque view of the inn basking in the moonlight, I slowly approached the location as I transformed into a 6-foot-tall Mahoraga form.

From the location of the moon, I assumed the time was between 2-3 AM.

'There should be enough time to fight Xiao as I try to obtain an Adepti form.' I said to myself as I walked towards the wooden elevator of the inn.

From the ocean a few thousand kilometers from Dragonspine towards Yaoguang Shoal and passing by Guili Plans via land route I was able to reach the inn where Xiao should be staying after only a few hours of travel.

As the wooden elevator slowly rises, a thought comes into mind, 'Xiao should be slowly being consumed by his karma right? I should do some research into it, same as the erosion it would come in handy one day.'

Upon exiting the elevator, I entered the inn my gaze went toward the beautiful boss lady.

Verr Goldet. A young woman with fair skin and long, wavy blonde hair that cascades down her back.

With a nod of appreciation, I passed by her as I slowly approached the top of the inn.

With my senses spread out, I already knew that Xiao was sitting on the balcony as he ate his favorite almond tofu.

As I reached the balcony, I saw Xiao gazing toward the moon as he alternately ate the almond tofu and drank tea.

'Mmm, using the Sword of Extermination would be too much as I don't intend to kill Xiao but the Staff of Homa is a no-go even if the colors are inverted. The Dragon's Bane would be the weapon I would most likely use as I assume my real identity and do adventures so Black Tassel?' After a short contemplation, the 3-star weapon Black Tassel appeared on my right hand.

After Xiao took one final sip of his tea, I dashed toward him as my left hand grabbed the back of his head and the two of us shot towards the forest areas near the abandoned Mingyun Village.

With all my strength, I then threw Xiao toward the middle of the forest making him crash face first towards the ground.

*boom*

As the dust from the collision dissipated, I saw Xiao wearing his mask while holding the Primordial Jade spear standing on a crater as his eyes glowed in a deep emerald color.

With an eerie smile, I taunted him in a malevolent voice, "That all you got pipsqueak?"

Even with the mask on I could see the veins bulging on his forehead, as his grip onto his spear became firmer. With a smile, I blended towards the darkness as I intended to fully enjoy this clash.

(Third Party POV)

In the heart of the eerie forest, where moonlight danced through the canopy, Xiao, the vigilant Yaksha, stood firm against the encroaching darkness. His gaze, sharp as the spear he wielded, pierced the shadows as he sensed the ominous presence of the White Muscle Monster drawing near. With a solemn resolve, he readied his polearm, preparing for the inevitable clash.

The forest erupted into chaos as the monstrous adversary emerged from the depths, its form twisting and contorting with each step. With a deafening roar, the creature lunged forward, its spear crackling with abyss energy as it sought to claim victory over the guardian of the Wangshu Inn.

Xiao met the assault head-on, his movements fluid and precise as he deflected the creature's strikes with unparalleled skill. Each clash sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, a symphony of steel and fury that echoed through the night.

But the monster proved to be a relentless foe, its attacks coming fast and furious with no respite. With each strike, Xiao felt the weight of his adversary's strength bearing down upon him, threatening to overwhelm his defenses.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Xiao fought on with unwavering determination. With a mighty thrust, he unleashed a barrage of strikes upon the monster, his polearm a whirlwind of destruction as he sought to weaken its defenses.

Yet, for every blow Xiao landed, the monster retaliated with equal ferocity. Its spear sliced through the air with deadly precision, leaving deep gashes in Xiao's body and draining his strength with each passing moment.

As the battle raged on, Xiao felt the tendrils of exhaustion creeping into his limbs. His movements grew sluggish, his strikes losing their former potency as fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. With a roar of defiance, he redoubled his efforts, drawing upon every last ounce of his strength to keep the creature at bay.

But it was not enough.

With a sudden surge of speed, the monster delivered a devastating blow that sent Xiao crashing to the forest floor. Pain lanced through his body as he struggled to rise, his vision swimming with the haze of impending unconsciousness.

Above him, the monster loomed victorious, its form pulsating with the abyss energy as it reveled in its triumph.

With a powerful roar, the monster advanced towards him, firmly grasped his hair, lifted him up, and slammed him into the solid ground.

As darkness slowly claimed him, Xiao could only reflect on the bitter taste of defeat. In his mind, he lamented his weakness as the figure of the geo archon and his fellow Yaksha came into mind, and with that, the vigilant Yaksha fully lost consciousness.